RED RIBBON WEEK TEACHES STUDENTS THE EVILS OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL USE

CHURCHTOWN -- As they shouted their pledges to be drug free, about 50 St.
John's Central students released their red balloons into the air as part of
that school's observance of Red Ribbon Week.

Students all over the area are celebrating the week of lessons about being
drug-free in different ways, such as speakers, workshops and parades.

"It's making our students, our communities and our families more aware
about the dangers of drugs in our lives," said Laurene Huffman, drug-free
workplace facilitator at Washington State Community College's Center for
Business and Technology.

Huffman typically works with adult employees, but Wednesday's seminar for
students in grades five through eight was adapted with balloons, candy and
red ribbons. Huffman's seminar today will be directed to the younger students.

Huddled into clusters of six on the hardwood gym floor, students listened
as Huffman offered ways to say "no" to drugs, including alcohol. "It's very
hard to stop using tobacco," Huffman said. "We prefer you never, ever use
tobacco."

St. John's students brought 10 life goals with them to the assembly. They
put those goals - including attend college, or have a cool car - in a bag
labeled "life." Then, Huffman told them to remove four items for getting
caught with alcohol underage, then another four came out for driving while
drunk.

"You can lose really important things in your life by using drugs," she
said. "Those 10 things are a lot more important than pleasing others or
giving into peer pressure."

Eighth-grader Heather Aeberli said she had never considered how much she
could lose if she used drugs.

"It makes you really think how much drugs hurt you," she said.

Huffman encouraged students to practice saying no in front of the mirrors
or with their parents.

"It's easier to say the right thing if you practice."

Eighth-grader Ashleigh Tornes said the seminar helped her understand how to
say "no" to drugs.

"I think it's very educational," she said. "I know the effects of drugs.
.. And I'll say 'no.'"