By Staff
GUEST SPEAKER Pat Tucker, substance abuse counselor at Weems Community Mental Health Center, speaks to Clarkdale students about the effects of drugs and alcohol during the school's Red Ribbon Rally on Tuesday. Photo by Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Oct. 24, 2001
As students at Clarkdale Attendance Center entered the school football stadium Tuesday, they couldn't miss the sign that read "Drugs Kill, We're For Real."
Students filled the stadium for the school's Red Ribbon Rally in observance of Red Ribbon Week Oct. 22-26, observed nationally since 1988 in memory of a law officer who lost his life fighting drugs.
Students used large, white pieces of paper on the football field to spell out "CAC Drug Free." Lauderdale County Deputy Vance Moore led students in an anti-drug pledge and cheerleaders led anti-drug cheers.
Students also heard from guest speaker Pat Tucker, the substance abuse counselor at Weems Community Mental Health Center who told students about the effects of drugs and alcohol abuse.
Most students and teachers wore red clothes to the event. The high school band performed and red ribbons tied to the stadium railings flew in the breeze both adding to the pep rally atmosphere.
Each day this week, students have read "drug free" messages over the school intercom.
Homeroom teachers decorated their doors Monday and students in grades seven through 12 wrote short anti-drug essays in their English classes. Elementary students drew T-shirt logos for Red Ribbon Week.
On Thursday, the Clarkdale bulldog mascot will go to classrooms and distribute "drug free" pencils to students. Student essays and T-shirt logos also will be judged.
On Friday, students will participate in "Shade Out Day" in which they will be allowed to wear sunglasses at school during breaks and while walking to class.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.