Pubdate: Thu, 27 Oct 2005
Source: Florence Morning News, The (SC)
Copyright: 2005 Media General, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.morningnewsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1525
Author: Shireese M. Bell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/red+ribbon+week

STUDENTS CELEBRATE RED RIBBON WEEK

FLORENCE - As you entered the parking lot of St. Anthony Catholic
School on Thursday, you could see red ribbons hanging from the trees
and hear screaming and laughing children as they released red balloons
into the sky, signaling the end of the school's observance of Red
Ribbon Week.

Students, who donned hats and wore T-shirts backward, hung red ribbons
on the trees and the fence surrounding the school as part of their
pledge to be drug-free.

They also helped decorate the front of the school with pictures and
banners showing how they are committed to staying away from drugs.

Communications Coordinator Teri Cooper said Red Ribbon Week is a good
way to make the students feel good about being drug-free.

Cooper said there was a drug-free theme every day during the week,
while students enjoyed treats and activities sponsored by McLeod
Regional Medical Center, Jebaily Law Firm and ERA Leatherman Realty.

Cooper said the last day of Red Ribbon Week included a pep rally where
the students had the opportunity to perform cheers they created for
the week, a guest speaker from the Florence Police Department, viewing
of a film about drugs and the balloon launch.

After the pep rally, the students gathered outside the school to
release the balloons.

Also, the winners of the poetry and coloring contest were
announced.

Ernestine McKay, a parent of a St. Anthony's student, said the balloon
launch was beautiful and said she is happy about the week's
festivities.

"I think the kids got a kick out of it," McKay said. "It teaches them
not to fall for the peer pressure of others that are using drugs."

The school's PTO president, Rose Manelli, said they wanted to make it
a big event this year because it is an important message that can get
overlooked.

"I think we really accomplished our goal this year," she
said.

PTO secretary Amy Poinsette said the students love Red Ribbon Week,
and it's important to teach them about being drug-free.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin