Pubdate: Thu, 30 Oct 2003
Source: Marietta Times, The (OH)
Copyright: 2003 The Marietta Times
Contact:  http://www.mariettatimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2988
Author: Philip Elliott
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

RED RIBBON WEEK TEACHES STUDENTS THE EVILS OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL USE

CHURCHTOWN -- As they shouted their pledges to be drug free, about 50 St. 
John's Central students released their red balloons into the air as part of 
that school's observance of Red Ribbon Week.

Students all over the area are celebrating the week of lessons about being 
drug-free in different ways, such as speakers, workshops and parades.

"It's making our students, our communities and our families more aware 
about the dangers of drugs in our lives," said Laurene Huffman, drug-free 
workplace facilitator at Washington State Community College's Center for 
Business and Technology.

Huffman typically works with adult employees, but Wednesday's seminar for 
students in grades five through eight was adapted with balloons, candy and 
red ribbons. Huffman's seminar today will be directed to the younger students.

Huddled into clusters of six on the hardwood gym floor, students listened 
as Huffman offered ways to say "no" to drugs, including alcohol. "It's very 
hard to stop using tobacco," Huffman said. "We prefer you never, ever use 
tobacco."

St. John's students brought 10 life goals with them to the assembly. They 
put those goals - including attend college, or have a cool car - in a bag 
labeled "life." Then, Huffman told them to remove four items for getting 
caught with alcohol underage, then another four came out for driving while 
drunk.

"You can lose really important things in your life by using drugs," she 
said. "Those 10 things are a lot more important than pleasing others or 
giving into peer pressure."

Eighth-grader Heather Aeberli said she had never considered how much she 
could lose if she used drugs.

"It makes you really think how much drugs hurt you," she said.

Huffman encouraged students to practice saying no in front of the mirrors 
or with their parents.

"It's easier to say the right thing if you practice."

Eighth-grader Ashleigh Tornes said the seminar helped her understand how to 
say "no" to drugs.

"I think it's very educational," she said. "I know the effects of drugs. 
.. And I'll say 'no.'"
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl