CONTINUE DRUG-FREE MESSAGE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Every October St. Tammany Parish students join students across America in
celebrating Red Ribbon Week. This week speakers are urging students to
remain drug and alcohol free, special projects are ongoing and marches are
being held.

Students are hearing the message. What we hope is they are listening.

Red Ribbon Week is an important tradition in the drug prevention
community. It began as a grassroots tribute to a fallen DEA hero, Special
Agent Enrique Camarena. The National Red Ribbon Campaign was sparked by
the murder of Camarena by drug traffickers.

Within weeks of his death in March 1985, Camarena's Congressman, Duncan
Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano launched Camarena Clubs in
Imperial Valley, Calif., Camarena's home. Hundreds of club members pledged
to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and
others on behalf of all Americans. From these clubs emerged the Red Ribbon
Week Campaign.

Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to
preserve Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his
life.

The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA's
efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education
programs.

By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans
demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs. They pay homage to Camarena
and all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of
our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse.

Are students hearing this message through motivational speeches? Are they
listening when our police officers and sheriff's deputies tell them how
drugs and alcohol can ruin lives?

Are they understanding the messages they write on signs and posters?

We sure hope so. And we'll say it again: Drugs and alcohol can ruin your
life. Drugs and alcohol can kill you.

We hope parents are reinforcing the lessons being learned this week when
children get home from school. Parents who are involved in their child's
life make a big difference in the child's choices.

Making sure our children know the dangers of drug and alcohol now may
prevent abuse in the future.

PRIDE of St. Tammany is trying very hard to deliver that message through
its Red Ribbon campaign, being held in all parish schools.

We congratulate PRIDE for its efforts, and we urge teachers and parents to
continue spreading the message of drug and alcohol prevention throughout
the year.

Do not change the subject when Red Ribbon Week ends.