During the week of October 23-26, Washington-Wilkes Middle School joined many schools across the nation in promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. "Red Ribbon Week is about encouraging kids to be drug-free and marking the progress we've made. Many students are now choosing not to use drugs," said Executive Director Dr. Dave Wanser.

The first Red Ribbon Celebration was organized in l986 by a group of parents concerned about the destruction caused by alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers. The campaign has reached millions of children and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress.

Many daily activities were planned at W-WMS during this year's Red Ribbon Week. The students participated in dress-up days, decorating the lobby and classroom doors with anti-drug slogans, and signing the "pledge against drugs." In the classrooms, students worked on poems or posters depicting why it is great to be drug-free.

"Red Ribbon Week is a chance to be visible and vocal in our desire for a drug-free life for our students," said Libby Swinson, W-WMS counselor. "Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance abuse."

The week-long celebration of Red Ribbon Week ended with a school dance celebrating the Drug-Free Life at W-WMS. Winners of the drugfree door contest announced were Erin Frost, first place; Dawn Pickens, second place; Natalie Schneider, third place; and honorable mention went to Teresa Eason and Katie Meech.

The winners of the poem contest were Amanda Wood, first place; Melissa Rodriquez, second place; Keenan Jackson, third place; honorable mention went to Milton James and Dominique Jenkins.

Winners of the poster contest were Angela Broome, first place; Mallory Powell, second place; Kristen Lukich, third place; and honorable mention went to Graham Echols.

The faculty and staff at Washington-Wilkes Middle School would like to encourage everyone to continue to support our students in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.