Pubdate: Thu, 25 Oct 2001
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA)
Copyright: 2001 The Augusta Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.augustachronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/31
Note: Does not publishing letters from outside of the immediate 
Georgia and South Carolina circulation area
Author: Melissa Hall, Louie Villalobos
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

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.
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