Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 25, 1994 TAG: 9410250083
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Kindergartners and older students alike joined to make a statement that they intend to live drug-free lives.
It might not make the Guinness Book of World Records, but it was a long ribbon. The students used 30 spools to reach around the building - a distance of 145 yards.
"We hope this will make an impression on the children and that they will stay away from drugs," said Cris Flippen, principal of the Roanoke County school.
Most schools in the Roanoke Valley will have events this week to focus attention on drug abuse and urge students not to take drugs. The activities are part of Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign that uses the ribbon as a symbol in the fight against drugs.
As part of the campaign, the Mill Mountain star will burn red through Monday.
Valley Metro buses will have ribbons, and new cars at one dealership will sport red ribbons.
Examples of red-ribbon activities at Roanoke Valley schools this week include:
A letter-writing campaign to President Clinton by second-graders at G.W. Carver Elementary School in Salem.
Tree decorations and snacks with anti-drug messages for pupils at Mason's Cove Elementary in Roanoke County.
T-shirt design contests and informational sessions on alcohol, tobacco and drugs for students at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Roanoke.
Lockers adorned with red ribbons at Roanoke's William Ruffner Middle School and student-teacher talks on the importance of a drug-free lifestyle.
The activities are sponsored by the Roanoke Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council, Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition and Blue Ridge Community Services.
At a news conference Monday to begin the campaign, members of the "Just Say No To Drugs" club at Lincoln Terrace housing community told of their efforts to resist drugs and take back their playground from drug dealers.
The Just Say No club at Lincoln Terrace highlights "the fact that when it comes to creating a drug-free community, we must start with the children," Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge Philip Trompeter said.
"And at the same time, as adults, we have a responsibility to be strong role models and advocates for drug-free homes and a drug-free Roanoke Valley," he said.
Jack Liddy, co-chairman of the youth substance-abuse coalition, said businesses and governments have been supportive of the activities.
"From students to PTAs, to businesses and government, to parents, the message we're hearing is that we are committed to making the Roanoke Valley a drug-free community," Liddy said.
Carolyn Johnson, a Lincoln Terrace resident and a member of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority's board of directors, said the community is trying to work together as a family to deal with the drug problem.
"We have tried to include everyone - parents, children and others - in the effort," Johnson said.
At Clearbrook school, the students are optimistic.
Beth Young, a second-grader who helped her classmates roll out the ribbon, said she hopes it will remind youngsters of the dangers of drug abuse.
"People should never take drugs," she said.
Another student, Adam Overfelt, said he hopes the red-ribbon campaign will save some young people from drugs.
"Maybe someone will look at it and decide not to take drugs," said Adam, a fifth-grader.
by CNB