Red Ribbon Week reminds kids to say "No" to drugs
By Jennifer Archibald

Carroll, Camden, and Hillcrest elementary schools are all celebrating Red Ribbon week, which emphasizes saying "No" to drugs.

Carroll's celebration is Oct. 23-Oct. 26. The themes for each day are: "Show Your Drug-Free Cougar Pride," "Turn Your Back on Drugs," "We CAN Be Drug Free" and "Red Day," and "Use Your Head, Don't Do Drugs."

The Carroll students wore attire each day that went along with the theme. They had a poster contest and a food drive for the Food Pantry at Flora. On Monday they had a convocation, and on Thursday they will have a closing ceremony.

Camden's celebration started Oct. 20 and extends through today (Wednesday). Daily themes included "Be Drug Free," "I Believe in Being Drug Free," "Give Drugs the Slip," and "Drugs Turn You Inside Out."

The celebration included special dress each day, the releasing of balloons in the parking lot last Friday, and today, a convocation and arrival of clowns during lunch. The Sheriff's K-9 unit also was scheduled to come.

Hillcrest's celebration was Monday through today, with the themes, "Baaack Off Drugs," "Don't Let Drugs Twist Your Mind," and "We Tip Our Hats to Our Community."

On Tuesday, Jim "Basketball" Jones presented a convocation on having a "Winners Attitude" and making

healthy drug-free choices. Today, students are taking part in a community clean-up at various locations. Mayor Lee Hoard proclaimed Oct. 25 Hillcrest Elementary Day for the students' willingness to give back to their community. As a school-wide service project, Hillcrest is also collecting food for the Carroll County Food Pantry.

On Monday, Hillcrest will have the "World's Largest Pizza Party." Pizza Hut will provide a slice of pizza for every Hillcrest student as a thank you for their community clean-up work.

At all three schools, students and staff wore red ribbons throughout the celebration. Students were given small prizes, such as bookmarks or red pencils.