Students have begun preparing to celebrate Red Ribbon Week in Emporia Public Schools. Classes at north and south Lowther buildings meticulously tied red ribbons to chain-link fences to spell out the drug-free message that Emporians for Drug Awareness are promoting during the special week.
Today — “Kick Off Against Drugs” will feature a graffiti wall for students to write on, as well as red ribbons, an autographed Emporia High School football, and other prizes to be given away. The event will be held at the EHS home football game at Welch Stadium. Cheerleaders will throw mini-footballs printed with drug-free messages to the crowd each time the ball is kicked or when people sign the graffiti wall.
Saturday — Red Ribbon decorations will be displayed at local businesses to show that “This Community Unites to Fight Against Drugs.”
Sunday — A drug-free carnival will be held at the Eagles Club, 1130 East Ninth Ave., from noon to 5 p.m.
Monday — “Talk Back Live: a community discussion on underage drinking and social hosting” will be presented at 7 p.m. in the E.H.S. auditorium. Diane Ash will moderate the session and Red Ribbon Award presentations will be made.
Tuesday — Emporians for Drug Awareness will say “Boo to Drugs” during the Boo in the Zoo at the David Traylor Emporia Zoo, beginning at 4 p.m.
Wednesday — Students are asked to watch for Red Ribbon Week activities at church, or to plan to spend the evening with their families.
Thursday — The district’s food service department will have a red-food day and a Tobacco Prevention Project will be held during Quest at Emporia Middle School.
Nov. 3 — EDA is launching a new mentoring program with “Be a Mentor Day,” and will ask that adults “make a difference by spending time with a child.” The program will be implemented at William Allen White, Riverside, Lowther north and south schools, Emporia Middle School and EHS. For more information, call Margi Grimwood at 341-2450.
Also, the EHS Thespians will perform skits in the schools and 29 EHS students will read books to younger students in numerous elementary classrooms throughout the district next week. The books will have drug-free and healthy lifestyle messages.