Schools across Kosciusko County are choosing different ways to celebrate Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 25-31), but the overall message remains the same: Just say no.

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 after drug traffickers murdered federal agent Enrique Camarena, who was working for the Drug Enforcement Administration in Mexico. Camarena's neighbors began wearing red ribbons as a symbol to end drug-related violence; these ribbons evolved into the national symbol for eliminating illegal drugs.

Students in the Warsaw school system moved Red Ribbon Week activities up a week because of parent-teacher conferences next week. In some schools teachers planned activities for their classrooms. Many students made posters, decorated doors and classrooms, and of course, wore their red ribbons.

The theme for the week at Silver Lake Elementary was "Mission Possible: A Drug-Free Community," when students were reminded that "Being Drug Free Starts with Me." On Monday students were given a pledge to remain drug free, which they took home and signed and asked a witness to sign. Students were given various "missions" to complete each day, such as being a good friend or being a good student, and teachers planned to take pictures of students around the school as they completed their missions.

Miss Kosciusko Erin Cassidente, who attended Lincoln Elementary as a child, will speak to students at Lincoln today. Sacred Heart Elementary pupils were visited by members of the SADD chapter at Warsaw Community High School.

Activities next week around the area will include:

Laketon Elementary - Students here and at Manchester Elementary will receive a visit from LIFE (Living In Full Effect) members at Manchester High School. LIFE will perform "Just Say No" skits, offering students practical tips on doing just that. The high school may be visited by the Grim Reaper, who will silently appear in classes throughout the day claiming "victims" of drug abuse.

Nappanee Elementary - Students will "Sock It to Drugs" on Monday by wearing wild socks; they will wear sneakers Tuesday for the "Don't Let Drugs Sneak Up on You Inside Out" theme; Wednesday, as with most school systems, is "Wear Red Day." "Don't Let Drugs Turn You" is the motif Thursday, when kids will wear their clothes inside out; and Friday students will "Tie One On Against Drugs" by wearing a tie.

Students will also receive a handout on "101 Ways to Say No to Drugs" and will enjoy red jello and other red foods all week in the cafeteria.

North Webster Elementary - Administrators are expanding Red Ribbon Week into "Safe School Week," examining several aspects of being safe at school. A large banner will be signed by staff, students and patrons pledging to keep the school safe. Students taking the pledge will sign cut-out hands that will be placed around the banner. Other activities will include a bumper sticker contest and an essay contest.

Pierceton Elementary - Special days include "Sock It to Drugs," where students may wear socks and no shoes to class; "Be A Good Sport, Don't Do Drugs" (sportswear); "Put A Lid on Drugs" (hats); and "Say Boo to Drugs" (orange and black). K-9 units from area police departments will visit the school Oct. 31.

Syracuse Elementary - "Count on Me to Be Drug Free!" is the theme at this school, which has planned various activities throughout October. School banners are hanging outside classrooms in the main hallway, and large red ribbons adorn each classroom door. Banners contain messages such as "I am responsible for my own actions," "Success comes in cans, not in cannots," "Stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone" and "If we learn from losing, we become winners in the end."

Students will sign the banners in an all-school pledge Monday. "Count on Me to Be Drug Free" buttons and rulers will be awarded at various grade levels, as will drug-free bookmarks. Other projects this month included McGruff coloring sheets and comic books and "Be Smart, Don't Start" posters.

Although Red Ribbon Week focuses on youngsters, everyone in the community can get involved. Try one or several of the following suggestions to show your support for a drug-free community:

• Put red ribbons on doors, mailboxes, trees, poles, fences, bicycles, wagons, cars, etc.

• Discuss family rules about alcohol, tobacco, inhalants and other drugs.

• Get to know your child's friends and friends' parents.

• Display a drug-free message banner at your business.

• Provide red ribbons for employees/customers.

• Offer drug education programs for employees, especially parents. [[In-content Ad]]