RED RIBBON WEEK CEREMONY

Pupils Unite To Stop Drug, Alcohol Abuse

Columbia and Richmond counties tied the knot Wednesday in a joint
effort to stop alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse. The Red Ribbon Week
Border Tying Ceremony on Harlem High School's football field is an
annual event for the counties. State school Superintendent Linda
Schrenko was the keynote speaker.

''I'm just here to tell the students how proud I am of them," Mrs.
Schrenko said.

The event culminated with the tying of a red ribbon. Richmond County
students gathered on one end and Columbia County students on the
other. They walked to the middle of the field and tied a red bow.

''It signifies joining forces in our battle against tobacco, alcohol
and drugs," said Pat Wiggins, who is both Red Ribbon coordinator for
Columbia County and a part-time counselor at Harlem High.

Entertainment was provided by the Barton Chapel Steppers and the
Harlem High band, show choir, JROTC color guard and drama students. A
second-grade class from McBean Elementary recited the Pledge of
Allegiance. Safe & Drug Free Schools sponsored the event.

Schoolchildren from around the area, including some members of
Students Against Drunk Driving, were bused to the school to watch the
program.

Tara Black and Lorenzo Winfrey, seniors at Harlem and Josey high
schools, respectively, introduced guest speakers and spoke out
against drug and alcohol abuse.

''It's one thing to have an adult telling you that you shouldn't
drink," Lorenzo said, ''but its another thing to have one of your
peers tell you they have enough character to not do alcohol and use
drugs."

Everyoneis urged to show awareness for creating a drug-free America
by wearing a red ribbon during a week in October.

Red Ribbon Week originated after the killing of federal agent Enrique
Camarena by drug traffickers in 1985 when a small community displayed
red ribbons to show respect for his courage and to demonstrate
intolerance for drugs in schools, workplaces and communities.

Each year since 1988, when Congress proclaimed an eight-day Red
Ribbon Week to be observed each October, people across the nation
have worn red ribbons and undertaken community and school projects in
an effort to reduce the demand for illegal drugs, establish a network
of people to support drug-free choices, and present a unified and
visible commitment toward creating a drug-free America.