STUDENTS PROMOTE DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS

SCOTT CITY --Although the 14 students in theatrical makeup attended classes Monday at Scott City High School, they pretended not to be there.

The students, members of the Key Club, were participating in a "white out" to promote drug and alcohol awareness during National Red Ribbon Week. The goal of the "white out" was to represent the students killed in drug- and alcohol-related accidents.

In the U.S., one person dies every 30 minutes from such accidents.

Some students didn't believe the statistics, said Heather Fehr, adding that she thought the number would have been higher. Fehr was the last student to join the "white out."

In addition to the white makeup, the students were told not to talk to classmates.

"They are just existing in class," said Jan Davis, club sponsor and school nurse. "It's been impressive."

But just existing was a little difficult for some of the students. Fellow classmates tried to get them to speak by asking questions.

Sara Emerson was the first student to join the "white out." She said it was hard not to speak, but being able to talk to other club members helped.

The Key club was formed this year after students attended a Team Spirit conference during the summer.

Teachers and students across the area also wore red ribbons to commemorate the week. Several Scott City businesses displayed red ribbons in windows or on door knobs to show their support for drug-free living.

National Red Ribbon Week began in 1980 as a grassroots effort to curb the rise in drug use among children. It is now supported by the National Family Partnership organization.

Much like the national organization, the goal of the Meadow Heights Hope team is to promote drug and alcohol freedom in the school systems.

Since organizing early this summer, the team sponsored a school assembly and dance with entertainer Ron Cole. The group is in the preliminary stages of planning an after-prom activity in the spring.

The activities show that people can have fun without drugs and alcohol, said team member Randy Miller.

Meadow Heights Elementary School will hold a special "Just Say No" assembly Thursday afternoon. The assembly is sponsored by Community 2000.

Other activities at the school include wearing boots Wednesday to "stamp out" drugs.

Students at Scott City Elementary School will form a human chain Friday afternoon. An anti-drug message is also displayed on the school's fence.