STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO STAY DRUG-FREE

Students around the county are recognizing National Red Ribbon Week this
week by wearing red ribbons, planting trees and attending special programs.

At Boyd Elementary, students pledged to remain drug free at a tree planting
ceremony. School counselor Brenda Tilson told the students the tree was
being planted to remind them of their promise to remain drug free.

"Every time you drive by this tree, even when you get older, you can think
about the promise you made to stay drug free," Tilson said.

Students at Decatur High School are recognizing the week by dressing up on
theme days. Friday, students will dress up for Halloween and the theme of
the day is "Drugs are Spooky."

Alvord Elementary hosted a trick roper, Terry Stubblefield, Tuesday.
Stubblefield encouraged students to make the right choice to stay away from
drugs and with his display, he demonstrated what feats students are capable
of achieving if they do so.

National Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated since 1986 when a drug
enforcement agent was kidnapped and killed for coming close to breaking up
a drug cartel in Mexico. To honor this agent, and to demonstrate their
commitment to drug and alcohol prevention, family members and friends began
wearing red ribbons.

Since that time, the National Family Partnership has adopted this week to
raise awareness about keeping children drug free. Each year, more and more
communities and schools across America use this week to educate and promote
drug-free youth.