BY AMANDA PEVEY
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
TOP PHOTO: ABC Inspector Mike Reese addresses Millbrook Middle School students about making good decision when it comes to avoiding alcohol and drugs.
Area schools are getting ready to kick off RED RIBBON week in Elmore County. Red Ribbon Week begins on October 25th thru October 29th this year. See below for special days for the Millbrook schools participating.
Red Ribbon Week is a prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States. It is designed to help kids make good decisions when it comes to drugs and alcohol. The focus this year is on prevention.
Red Ribbon Week began in 1985, after the kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. After he was found murdered, citizens of Camarena’s hometown of Calexico, California put out red ribbons in his honor. The red ribbon is the symbol for the prevention of illegal drugs, as well as, the reduction of illegal drugs. We honor the memory of Camarena by celebrating Red Ribbon Week throughout all the schools in the United States.
Millbrook Middle School kicked off Red Ribbon Week by doing an anti-drug campaign called “Operation Save Teens” for the 342 sixth grade students on Friday, October 22.
“Operation Save Teens” is a 90 minute educational program conducted by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
Neil Fetner and Mike Reese are Inspectors for the ABC Board presented information to Millbrook Middle School. Reese talked about the consequences bullying has and steps on how to stop bullying all together. If you see something, say something.
Neil Fetner spoke about effects social media has on young kids and teenagers, especially when it comes to misinformation, bullying, and bad ideas.
Fetner said, “Always choose your friends wisely! Be a hero, and not a zero.”
Fetner and Reese also talked about gun safety, vaping, dabbing, synthetics, marijuana, alcohol and edibles, explaining the dangers involved.
Reese asked all the students one important question, “What is the most addictive drug in America?” The answer is tobacco.
At the end of the program, Reese and Fetner had two student volunteers demonstrating with goggles that impaired their vision and then required them to attempt simple tasks. They learned it isn’t really all that simple if you are under the influence.
Two 6th grade teachers and a Millbrook Police Department Officer Watts also wore the goggles, trying to do simple tasks.
The students learned the importance of what can happen when drinking alcohol, and often that leads to bad choices.
Reese said, “We want to educate the kids to the things parents do not know about that are readily available for the young children. We want to make sure our young children know to make good decisions and the reality of what happens if you make a bad decision. We also want to thank Mr. Sean Kreauter, Dr. Renee Tucker, Ms. Letitia Ruffin-Johnson and Ms. Pam Craft for inviting us to come and talk about ‘Operation Save Teens.’ We look forward to coming back next year in the Spring to talk to all the 5th graders at Millbrook Middle School. For more information on how to bring this educational program to your school please contact Mike Reese at (256) 310-5741 or email [email protected] or visit their Facebook website at www.facebook.com/OST2001AL.
Below is the Red Ribbon Week celebrations for local schools in Millbrook, Alabama.
COOSADA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-
- MONDAY (OCT. 25TH)- Don’t be caught sleeping, say NO to Drugs!
WEAR PAJAMAS
- TUESDAY (OCT. 26TH)- Shade out drugs!
WEAR SUNGLASSES AND A HAT
- WEDNESDAY (OCT. 27TH)- Friends don’t let friends do drugs!
(DRESS LIKE TWINS OR TRIPLETS.) STUDENTS CAN ALSO WEAR CLASS SHIRT, SCHOOL SHIRT, OR FIELD TRIP SHIRTS ON THIS DAY.
- THURSDAY- (OCT. 28TH)-Combat Drugs!
WEAR CAMO/MILITARY GEAR (THIS DAY WILL BE DEDICATED TO OUR SOLDIERS AS AN EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION FOR PROTECTING OUR COUNTRY.)
- FRIDAY- (OCT. 29TH)-Don’t let drugs trick you, they are not a treat!
PLEASE WEAR YOUR COSTUMES
On Friday, Oct. 29th Coosada Elementary School is allowing students to participate in Super Mario Candy Grab during Red Ribbon Week. Students will visit Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road throughout the school in a safe, nurturing environment. NOTE: Because of respect of all students/families, students that cannot participate in festivities will have other activities available.
AIRPORT ROAD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
- MONDAY (OCT. 25TH)- “Follow your Dreams, Don’t do Drugs”
WEAR PAJAMAS
- TUESDAY (OCT. 26TH)- We have the “Power to Be Drug Free!”
DRESS LIKE YOUR FAVORITE HERO
- WEDNESDAY (OCT. 27TH)- “Be All You Can Be, Be Drug Free!”
WEAR CAMOUFLAGE
- THURSDAY (OCT. 28TH)- Let’s Say “Peace Out” to Drugs!
WEAR TIE-DYE OR 70’S CLOTHES
- FRIDAY (OCT. 29TH)- “Drugs are Spooky”
WEAR ORANGE OR BLACK
NO COSTUMES!!
Teachers at Airport Road Intermediate Schools are decorating their door for Red Ribbon Week.
MILLBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL
- MONDAY (OCT. 25TH)- I pledge to live a drug free life.
WEAR RED
- TUESDAY (OCT. 26TH)- You have the power to stay drug free.
DRESS AS YOUR FAVORITE SUPERHERO
- WEDNESDAY (OCT.27TH)- I won’t be spotted using drugs.
DRESS IN ANIMAL PRINT OR CAMOUFLAGE
- THURSDAY (OCT. 28TH)- Throwback Thursday-Throw drugs away.
DECADE DAY (60’S, 70’S, 80’S, OR 90’S)
- FRIDAY (OCT. 29TH)- Scare drugs away.
WEAR YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME
