Pubdate: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 Source: Cincinnati Enquirer (OH) Copyright: 2006 The Cincinnati Enquirer Contact: http://enquirer.com/editor/letters.html Website: http://enquirer.com/today/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/86 Author: William Croyle, Enquirer Staff Writer RAISING DRUG AWARENESS Red Ribbon Week Works to Prevent Substance Abuse Thousands of schools nationwide this week are celebrating Red Ribbon Week, reminding students about the dangers of drugs. The significance, though, may be a little more here at Holmes Alternative School. The roughly 40 students in grades 7-12 are here because of behavior problems they had while at Holmes Junior/Senior High School. For some, those problems included drug use. This is the first year the alternative school has made a big splash about this week. Administrators hope it has an impact. "There's going to be resistance from some, but I think they'll react well to the projects we do," Principal Robin Shuttleworth said. The week kicked off with students and staff wearing red T-shirts Monday that said "Being Drug Free is my Responsibility." Andre Cox, 15, read a little history about the week, stating that it began in 1988 after Enrique Camarena of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was killed while working undercover in Mexico investigating a drug cartel. Andre said he sees drugs in Covington "all the time." "I think this is a real important week," Andre said. "We need to get people to see how important it is to keep our streets clean." Sharon Luke, 13, introduced Mayor Butch Callery, who proclaimed this Red Ribbon Week in the city. Sharon said her parents taught her the dangers of drugs. She doesn't use them - but doesn't know how many of her classmates will get the message. "I think it's going to have an effect on some students, but only those who really believe in being drug-free," Sharon said. The students will have a poster contest, discussions about drugs and a walk Friday from the school to the district office where they will plant red tulip bulbs. Funding is being provided by Children Inc., which sponsors service learning projects such as this in Northern Kentucky schools. Even though the activities end Friday, counselor Bruce Hill said the message will not. "We will continue the message with education and prevention," Hill said. "We have to keep talking about it." - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine