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Show Elementary Students "Rise Above The Influence" Wiy i .. . . . , r ,i ,J it-. f !V - , VL - ' s .- - i On Friday students were asked to wear red and in honor of the theme "Rise Above the Influence," a balloon launch was held at the end of the day. Photo courtesy of Timpanogos Times "Rise Above The Influence" is what students did at Lindon Elementary as they celebrated Red Ribbon Week November 1 through 5. Students were encouraged to participate in a Red Ribbon Week essaycoloring contest. The purpose was to help students express why they are committed to be drug-free. The topic was "I'd rather do . . . (than drink or smoke!)" Grades kindergarten .through first grade participated in the coloring contest. Second and third grades were asked to make a poster 8 x 11 that represented the theme to the best of their ability using any art medium. Grades fourth through sixth wrote essays no longer than 200 words. Three winners from each grade were chosen to receive a $5 certificate to Cold Stone and a T-shirt representing the theme for the week. The week's events began Monday where the students wore red, were given wristbands and pledge cards, and made posters at lunch which were hung in the school to remind the students of their commitment to be drug-free. drug-free. Shauna Carter, the PTA member in charge of the event, wanted students to focus on choosing things that make them the best they can be. The students pledged to be healthy and the parents pledged to be a good example. If students brought their pledge cards on Tuesday, all cards went into a drawing. Those names that were drawn received a Red Ribbon T-shirt as well. Tuesday was "Paws Off Drugs and Alcohol." In honor of the theme, students were " encouraged to wear their Lindon Leopard shirt or any animal print. Students were given paw prints to sign which were also displayed in the halls. Officer Ryan Armistead spoke to fourth through sixth graders in an assembly and told them of the history of Red Ribbon Week. Shauna felt it was important for students to know why they celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Wednesday students wore hats for "Use Your Head, Don't Do Drugs!" day. Thursday was "Being Drug Free Is No Sweat." Students wore sweats and kindergartners through third grade had their assembly. With the help of a karate group, they learned about staying healthy. On Friday students were asked to wear red again and in honor of the theme "Rise Above the Influence," a balloon launch was held at the end of the day. Enrique (Kiki) S. Camarena', who worked for the" Drug Enforcement Administration, was kidnapped on February 7, 1985 by drug traffickers and later killed. In honor of his sacrifice and those of others, the Red Ribbon Week campaign was formalized in 1988 with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons. Today, the eight-day celebration is sponsored by the National Family Partnership (previously known as the Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth), and has become the annual catalyst to show intolerance for drugs in our schools, work places, and communities. Each year, in October, more than 80 million young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon. |