STUDENTS RED-DY TO SHOW THEIR ANTI-DRUG COLORS

Red Ribbon Week, which encourages all Texas school children to stay away
from drugs and live healthy lifestyles, began Oct. 23 and ends Oct. 31.

The week began in honor of Enrique "Kiki" Camraena, drug enforcement agent
with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Camraena was kidnapped and
killed while investigating drug traffickers in Mexico. Since then, Texas
schools focus on providing students education and encouragement to stay
away from drugs.

Mineral Wells Independent School District has scheduled activities at all
campuses every day next week.

A new national report recently released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free
America Today shows 90 percent of parents see great risk in Ecstacy, but
only one out of every four parents talk with their children about the drug.
The study confirmed kids are 50 percent more likely to abuse drugs and
alcohol when parents fail to speak to their kids about the substances.
Ecstacy use has increased 71 percent since 1999.

"The commitment these young Texans make today to reject alcohol, tobacco
and other drugs is an important step in their future and in combating
substance abuse and addiction," Dr. Dave Wesner, executive director of the
Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, said. "The Red Ribbon Rally
celebrates the decision these students make and supports their pledge to
remain drug-free. The new study on Ecstacy reminds us that our work is not
done."

Last week in Austin, nearly 1,000 fifth and sixth grade students from
across Texas celebrated their decisions to remain drug-free. The students
also drafted, debated and passed anti-drug legislation in mock legislative
sessions. The students tried to explain to the Texas House and Senate why
kids use drugs.