Pubdate: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 Source: Huntsville Item (TX) Copyright: 2006 Huntsville Item and Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. Contact: http://www.itemonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1126 Author: Leslie Howland, Staff Reporter HISD KICKS OFF RED RIBBON WEEK MONDAY Huntsville Independent School District kicked off Red Ribbon Week on Monday morning during a rally at Mance Park Middle School. The week of Oct. 23-31 is designated as National Red Ribbon Week, a tribute to United States Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique "KiKi" Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers in Mexico. HISD Superintendent, Dr. Richard Montgomery, welcomed students and community members by reading a proclamation written by Huntsville Mayor, J. Turner. Jean Sanders, chief of the Huntsville Police Department, spoke to students and community members about their commitment to living a drug-free life. She encouraged students and community members to support each other by following the drug free motto "Believe in yourself, achieve your goals and succeed in your life." Student councils from HISD campuses and the Huntsville High School Speaking Out Against Problems (SOAP) Squad performed skits focusing on the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle. Gibbs Elementary students sent the message "Hide from Drugs" with each letter representing a separate message, such as "H -- Hornets choose to be drug free." Students from Huntsville Elementary went to Camp Good Choices where they sang and danced, encouraging the audience to make good choices to be drug free. "Put your attitude and attention, it's a matter of good choices. Put up the effort and hunt for something new," they sang. Sam Houston Elementary students sang a song called "Too Smart to Start." "I don't do drugs. I don't do cigarettes. I don't do alcohol. 'Cause I'm too smart," they sang. Students from Scott Johnson Elementary were dressed as members of different professions. A doctor, teacher, professional athlete, construction worker, soldier and HISD Superintendent of Schools each gave reasons why they chose to be drug free. "I believe I can achieve and I can become a doctor that finds a cure for cancer and to succeed, I must certainly be drug free," one student said. Stewart Elementary presented the graduation of the class of 2017 with one student, Bobo, not included because of bad choices he made. "Bobo because you were not receptive to learning, drugs have ruined your life," a student said. Huntsville Intermediate students were also dressed as professionals and rhymed their reasons for being drug free. Students from Mance Park Middle School sang a drug free song and danced. Huntsville High School SOAP Squad performed a parody of the game show, Deal or No Deal. The contestant had to choose between several folders containing a decision. The decisions ranged from skipping school, smoking cigarettes or being drug free. April Russell is a member of the SOAP squad and said they are here to be positive role models for other students. "We wanted the kids to know the importance of making good choices and being drug free," she said. Danielle Williams, SOAP Squad advisor, said the group has other parodies it will perform during the week from shows such as, That's So Raven, a Vonage commercial and America's Next Top Role Model. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine