Pubdate: Wed, 29 Oct 2003 Source: Wise County Messenger (TX) Copyright: 2003 WISE COUNTY MESSENGER Contact: http://www.wcmessenger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3020 Author: Keri Pritchard Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO STAY DRUG-FREE Students around the county are recognizing National Red Ribbon Week this week by wearing red ribbons, planting trees and attending special programs. At Boyd Elementary, students pledged to remain drug free at a tree planting ceremony. School counselor Brenda Tilson told the students the tree was being planted to remind them of their promise to remain drug free. "Every time you drive by this tree, even when you get older, you can think about the promise you made to stay drug free," Tilson said. Students at Decatur High School are recognizing the week by dressing up on theme days. Friday, students will dress up for Halloween and the theme of the day is "Drugs are Spooky." Alvord Elementary hosted a trick roper, Terry Stubblefield, Tuesday. Stubblefield encouraged students to make the right choice to stay away from drugs and with his display, he demonstrated what feats students are capable of achieving if they do so. National Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated since 1986 when a drug enforcement agent was kidnapped and killed for coming close to breaking up a drug cartel in Mexico. To honor this agent, and to demonstrate their commitment to drug and alcohol prevention, family members and friends began wearing red ribbons. Since that time, the National Family Partnership has adopted this week to raise awareness about keeping children drug free. Each year, more and more communities and schools across America use this week to educate and promote drug-free youth. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl