By Beth Pinyerd
For the
Opelika Observer
“Red Ribbon Week” is an initiative by the government and people of the United States for the prevention and education of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Opelika City Schools emphasized Red Ribbon Week with classroom activities and assemblies Oct. 28 through Nov. 1.
Dr. Pam Fourtenbary, principal of West Forest Intermediate, shared that the students and teachers have integrated Red Ribbon activities into the classroom day. School Counselor Carla Wiley coordinated essay contests, poster contests and activities for the students to write and draw about “saying no to drugs.”
Red Ribbon Week was celebrated throughout the week. Monday – Backwards Day; Tuesday – Silly Sock Day; Wednesday – Hat Day; Thursday – Sunglasses Day and Friday – Wear Red Day.
A Red Ribbon Assembly for the school was held last Friday. The Opelika High School Band played as the student body was welcomed at the door by Opelika High School athletes. The older student body of the Opelika City Schools did a wonderful job in mentoring the younger student body about not using drugs and taking care of themselves.
The different houses of West Forest Intermediate School, Uvumilivu (orange); Veritas (blue); Sam’mana (green) and valor (red), got up during the assembly and did their character-building chants. Thomas Sherfield, who mentors and coaches students, was the main speaker at the assembly. He encouraged the children about running the race of life by staying healthy as they prepare for their futures.
The assembly concluded by announcing the poster winners: Tristian Hodge – first place, Maggie Puckett – second place and Emunah Weaver – third place.
For more information about Red Ribbon Week, visit www.redribbon.org.
