NATCHEZ SCHOOLS OBSERVE RED RIBBON WEEK

NATCHEZ -- No, those aren't miniature businessmen on the playground at
Morgantown Elementary today.

The children decked out in neckties are merely showing their support
for a drug-free America, or tying one on against drugs.

As part of annual Red Ribbon Week all Natchez-Adams district schools
are having special events and giveaways this week.

At Natchez High preparations started a month ago to commemorate the
week. The library sponsored an essay contest, "My Vision for a Drug
Free America," all students will get red ribbons and stickers to wear
throughout the week and banners are posted around campus, Librarian
Sandra Peoples said.

Red Ribbon Week started nationally in 1986 after the murder of
Californian Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a drug enforcement agent assigned
to a case in Mexico.

At Morgantown Elementary drug prevention is discussed year-round,
counselor Peggy June said, but there will be even more emphasis this
week.

The school uses puppets for the younger students along with books on
drug refusal skills and choosing friends wisely, June said.

For Red Ribbon Week Morgantown will expand their education beyond the
students to their parents. Thursday from 12 to 1 p.m. the school will
have a prevention specialist on campus to talk to parents in a special
program.

Later in the week students will receive activity books and bring in
can goods for charity on "can drugs" day.

Though getting in-depth on drugs is a little heavy for kindergartners
and first-graders, West Primary Counselor Lucille Baldwin said the
school still addresses the issue.

"We talk about alcohol, taking the right kinds of medicines and
smoking," Baldwin said. "We focus on those issues."

The West students started the week by wearing red on Monday and will
receive pencils, ribbons, stickers and candy during the rest of the
week.