Grapeland students celebrate Red Ribbon Week
Houston County Courier - November 2007

Students at Grapeland Elementary School kicked off Red Ribbon Week with a Red Ribbon Pep Rally sponsored by the Preventing Abuse by Reaching Today’s Youth (PARTY) group from the Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas Council.

Students in Pre-kindergarten - 6th grade were entertained by Leo, the drug free lion, and his friends Miss Shelly and Miss Pam. 

Students were told the story of Kiki Camarena and the history of Red Ribbon Week including the reason for the celebration each year. 

Individual students were selected by the trio to participate in cheers and dance contests. 

The entire student body, as well as faculty, joined in when it came time to do the “chicken dance.”

Karen Hudson’s 6th grade class was the winner of a private party with Leo the Lion scheduled for late November.

Throughout the remainder of the week, students and faculty participated in several activities including “Boot out Drugs Day” with many wearing their favorite pair of boots and “Stay in the Game, Stay Drug Free,” which brought out a lot of sports jerseys and team spirit items.
The favorite days seemed to be “Join the Fight against Drugs Day” with a lot of camouflage seen in the hallways, and “Friends don’t let Friends do Drugs Day” with friends, faculty, and staff dressing alike.

Students in PK - 5th grade received a lesson from Mrs. Richards on making the right choices and presented with activity books that focused on living a drug free lifestyle.

Sixth grade students were given a lesson on the dangers involved with underage drinking and presented with  activity books focusing on being responsible and taking a stand against drugs and alcohol.

All students received red bracelets, along with stickers and tattoos focusing on the week’s drug free message.