EDUCATION: ATHLETES TALK ABOUT DRUGS AT CLIPPARD

You can do anything better if you don't use drugs.

That was the theme of an assembly held at Clippard Elementary School Monday to commemorate the beginning of Red Ribbon Week.

Athletes and coaches from Southeast Missouri State University were enlisted to help Clippard students kick off a weeklong celebration of a drug-free lifestyle.

The school is one of dozens in the area and thousands in the nation helping students find fun ways to stay away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco products.

Red ribbons, drug awareness posters, motivational speakers and ice cream socials are only a sample of the activities planned at area schools. Other activities included having special prizes, theme days and handing out alternatives to drugs.

But Red Ribbon Week is not only about fun and games.

"The lessons being taught in the classrooms are educational," said Nell Holcomb School counselor Wilma Kincy. "We're not only giving them facts, we're giving them ways to say no. In today's society, I think that's vital."

University athletes told Clippard students using drugs would keep them from achieving their dreams.

Whether they hoped to be doctors or star athletes, no goal can be attained if you're sluggish and not putting forth your best effort, they said.

"I know a lot of people who had talent and they wasted it away using drugs," said Marcus Patton, a running back on Southeast's football team. "Drugs hurt you because they keep you from doing your best."

Gymnast Kathy Smith told students she has learned discipline, time management and the value of practice during her years as an athlete.

Nothing good comes without a lot of hard work and dedication, but that's what makes dreams worth striving for, she said.

"Being involved in athletics and other activities allowed me to be more structured in my life and be out of the streets," Smith said. "Staying around a group of people who want to succeed and don't want to use drugs and alcohol also can help you stay away from drugs."

Red Ribbon Week was started in 1988 to commemorate the death of Enrique Camarena, a drug enforcement agent killed in Mexico in the line of duty.