'RED RIBBON' WEEK AIMS TO REDUCE YOUTH DRUG USE

Students across the county will participate this week in one of the
nation's oldest and largest drug prevention programs, as part of "Red
Ribbon Week."

The event promotes living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle and
encourages students to be drug free, said Allen Smith, the district's
safety coordinator.

"This campaign provides schools and communities with an opportunity
to bring together parents, schools, the community and business
partners as we look for new and innovative ways to help students make
healthy choices when asked to use drugs," he said.

The first Red Ribbon Celebration was organized in 1986 by a
grassroots group of parents concerned about the rampant use of drugs
and alcohol among teens. The red ribbon theme was adopted in honor of
Enrique "KiKi" Camarena, a U.S. drug enforcement agent who was
kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers.

All week, students and staff in the public schools will wear red
ribbons and buttons to show their school is for a "Drug-free America"
and will hold daily activities to promote healthier choices. School
Street, Fremont STARS and Carver elementary schools, Edgewood
Community Developmental, Eastern Wayne Middle and Spring Creek High
will also have a "Wear Red Day" to encourage awareness.

At Spring Creek High, Eastern Wayne Middle, Norwayne Middle, Rosewood
Middle, Fremont STARS and Tommy's Road elementary schools, essay
contests will be held. North Drive Elementary and Fremont plan to
have K-9 officers speak to students about the dangers of drugs.

Rosewood and Eastern Wayne middle schools and Northwest Elementary
will have students sign a pledge to stay drug free.

Southern Academy plans to hold a "Slam Dunk" basketball game between
the middle and high school students, using the theme, "Slam Dunk --
Drugs Are Junk." Cheerleaders for each side will create anti-drug cheers.

"Red Ribbon week is a chance to be visible and vocal in expressing
our desire for a drug free community," Smith said. "Research
indicates that children are less likely to use alcohol and other
drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in
their opposition to substance use and abuse."