VALLEYVIEW WINS DRUG-AWARENESS AWARD

At Valleyview Centennial School, students learn more than just the
ABCs. They teach each other about a D -- as in, don't do drugs.

Those efforts have earned the school an award. It was one of only four
schools across the province recognized this year for anti-drug efforts.

"It was a great honour," said Valleyview principal Shawn Lehman, who
stresses the need to talk to children, "to give them that courage and
confidence to make the right choices."

Valleyview received a 2005 Merit Award for their Manitoba Addictions
Awareness Week celebrations.

The award sits in a display case in the school's lobby, and all 170 of
the school's students received multi-coloured wristbands.

The school has a strong 15-year tradition of using the week to spread
positive messages to discourage drug use.

"We're all proud of each other, our school," said 11-year-old Annie
Pickering, one of four students who went to Winnipeg to accept the
trophy on Nov. 21.

Students continued their tradition this week as Grade 5 students used
the PA system each morning to tell schoolmates: "Don't do drugs, they
can hurt you."

Brianna Bourdeau D'Hui, 10, and Jaden Enns, 11, made a colourful
poster with some good advice.

"Keep the circle strong," Bourdeau D'Hui said. "Which means everybody
stick together."

Grade 2 and 3 pupils posted messages on the wall. The printing isn't
perfect, but the messages are clear: "Drugs play tricks on your
brain," "Drugs are bad for you, ALWAYS SAY NO!"

A Brandon Police Service officer also paid Grade 5 and 6 students a
visit to teach them about types of harmful drugs.

"They're bad because they make you stupid," said 11-year-old Desiree
Moar.

Even Grade 1 students took part. Drugs aren't mentioned, but the
children read stories about positive subjects like friendship.