Pubdate: Sun, 21 Oct 2001
Source: Daily Independent, The (KY)
Copyright: 2001 The Daily Independent, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.dailyindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1573
Author: Ruth Ellen Chancy

WEEK WILL STRESS STAYING DRUG FREE

The 14th anniversary of  Red Ribbon Week will be observed October 23-31. 
This week has been designated to educate students on the importance of 
being drug free.  This recognition was created in 1985 following the murder 
of Federal Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena by drug 
traffickers in Mexico.

In response to this tragedy, our nation began wearing red ribbons as a 
symbol of our commitment to fight drugs. The theme for this year is "Plant 
a Promise, Keep Kids Drug Free."

Elementary, middle and high schools in the Boyd County, Ashland and 
Fairview school systems will observe this week with activities. These 
include wearing red ribbons, wearing red clothing, planting bulbs around 
the school and central office at Fairview, decorating doors to classrooms, 
having a ``blow something besides smoke" assembly and distributing 
educational material to each child.

There also will be theme days such as "Wake up! Drugs are a nightmare" 
(students wear pajamas to school),  "Say BOO to drugs" (students wear 
Halloween costumes), and ``Too cool to do drugs" (students wear sunglasses).

Students will have an opportunity to sign a pledge card saying they will 
stay drug free. Miss Kentucky will speak in all elementary schools on 
Kentucky's platform, "No Ifs, Ands or Butts - That's the law!"

The Boyd/Greenup County Champions for for Drug Free Kentucky provide many 
drug awareness programs in our schools. Money from the KIP project is used 
for family fun nights for middle school families. These activities include 
drug and alcohol prevention materials. The ALERT Regional Prevention Center 
has a resource library containing materials on drug, alochol and tobacco 
awareness and prevention.  The staff from ALERT provides programs 
throughout the school year to students.

Please join us in the campaign to keep kids off drugs in Boyd County!

Ruth Ellen Chancy, Coordinator

Family Resource Center West
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens