By By Lydia Grimes
features reporter
Brewton area schools will celebrate Red Ribbon Week this week — and try to pass on the message that drugs are harmful.
Schools have scheduled games and activities all week to focus on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
Gwynn Shell, counselor at W.S. Neal High School, said thinks the program is a good teaching tool.
At Pollard-McCall Junior High School, students will learn the history of Red Ribbon Week, collect change for “Drugs Don’t Make Cents,” decorate grocery bags with drug free slogans, and with the teachers, wear crazy socks on Friday. In addition, there are many activities where students can win prizes. Counselor Jennifer Hall said the students learn to stay away from drugs and the harmful effects they have.
Brewton Elementary School plans to hand out items with drug-free messages and learn lessons about making good choices, said counselor Tammy Smith. Members of the Escambia County Drug Task Force will visit the fourth grade. And all grade levels will participate in a ten-week program titled “Too Good for Drugs,” Smith said.
W.S. Neal Elementary School will have speakers and other activities throughout the week.
Brewton Middle School has added something a little different this year.
Red Ribbon Week was created to honor Drug Enforcement Agency officer Enrique Camarena, who was killed while working undercover to investigate drug cartels in Mexico.