Red Ribbon at schools - Wayne-Wilson News Leader, Fremont, NC

25 October 2007 — Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) will take part in one of the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention programs, Red Ribbon Week, through October 28. Over the course of the weeklong campaign, schools will help students and teachers learn more about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

“Red Ribbon Week is about encouraging students to be drug free,” states Allen Smith, WCPS Safety Coordinator. “We are thankful that many of our students choose not to use drugs. This campaign provides schools and communities with an opportunity to bring together parents, schools, the community and business partners as we look for new and innovative ways to help students make healthy choices when asked to use drugs.”

The first Red Ribbon Celebration was organized in 1986 by a grassroots organization of parents concerned about the destruction caused by alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique "KiKi" Camarena, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers. The campaign has reached millions of children and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress.

During the weeklong campaign, students and staff will wear red ribbons, stickers, and buttons to show their school is for a “Drug-free America”. Schools will also hold daily activities to promote drug free lifestyles; hang Red Ribbon banners or posters with drug free messages; and do announcements over the intercom promoting healthy choices and encouraging students to just “say no."

Local schools, including Norwayne Middle and Fremont STARS Elementary, plan to hold essay contests. Fremont STARS Elementary will have K-9 officers talk with students about the dangers of drugs. Northwest Elementary will have students sign a pledge to stay drug free. Fremont STARS Elementary will also have a “Wear Red Day” to encourage drug free lifestyles.

“Red Ribbon week is a chance to be visible and vocal in expressing our desire for a drug free community,” adds Mr. Smith. “Research indicates that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse.”

The Wayne County Public Schools’ Central Office will participate in Red Ribbon Week activities by wearing red and wearing buttons that promote drug free lifestyles during the rest of the week.

Back to this week's News Leader

Issue of 25 October 2007

Headlines

Briefs

Tale of transformation leads to giving

Fremont's mayoral candidates focus on growth, crime

wayne co. sheriff's report

Northern Lights ECA meeting

Red Ribbon events at local schools

Drought delays sewer fix benefits

Medicare Part D coverage

Heating assistance for Wilson residents

Football: CBA falls to Hunt

Soccer: CBA still perfect

Pigskin results

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