SCHOOLS HONOR RED RIBBON WEEK

Students Encouraged To Participate In Variety Of Events To Encourage
Drug-Free Lifestyles

Schools throughout the Arkansas River Valley are encouraging students to
choose drug-free lifestyles this week as they celebrate Red Ribbon Week,
seven days coordinated throughout the country by the National Family
Partnership.

According to information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's
(DEA) Web site, National Red Ribbon week serves as a tribute to Special
Agent Enrique Camarena, who was kidnapped and brutally tortured and
murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico.

"This tragic event produced an immediate outpouring of grief, but over time
has generated a sense of hope across America," according to the Web site.
"That hope is being kept alive through the hard work of thousands of
Americans -- particularly our young people -- who participate in Red Ribbon
events during the last week in October. This tradition is stronger than
ever today, as an increasing number of Americans are saying 'yes' to a
drug-free life."

Students of all ages participate in Red Ribbon Week, and schools sponsor a
variety of activities to educate about the dangers of drugs and to
encourage students to make wise choices.

At Hector High School, students can participate in a variety of dress-up
days to show their commitments to being drug free.

Monday was "Tie one on day." Ribbons were handed out, and students were
encouraged to wear ties. Those caught wearing ties and ribbons were
rewarded. The school also held a balloon release to celebrate the beginning
of the week.

Other dress-up days at Hector include "Turn your back on drugs day," when
students can wear their clothes backward; "Don't let drugs turn you day,"
when students can wear their clothes inside out; and Hat day, when students
will have to pay $1 to wear a hat. They will receive a sticker that must be
worn on the hat where it can be seen easily.

Friday, the school will host Red Rally Day, when students can wear red
hats, shirts, socks and shoes -- even paint their faces red. The grade with
the most red will be awarded a popcorn party.

Elementary-age students are also participating in events this week.

Students at Dwight Elementary wore their boots Monday to celebrate the
"kickoff" of Red Ribbon Week. Today, they can wear sunglasses to show that
being drug free is "cool." Wednesday is Hat day for the students, and
Friday they will be encouraged to wear red.

The school will provide red bracelets, pledge stickers and pencils along
with the red ribbons for students to wear. There will also be drawings for
special prizes each day.

According to the DEA's Web site, Red Ribbon Week is the most far-reaching
and well-known drug prevention event in America. The National Family
Partnership estimates that more than 80 million Americans participate in
Red Ribbon events.

The event, which was sparked by Camarena's death in March of 1985, is
nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to his 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.