The blur of extreme bikes and the thunder of children’s applause and
excitement were heard in East Brewton Tuesday as special activities
were held to recognize Red Ribbon Week through Oct. 31.
Donna L. Revel, Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator, said Red
Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to
drugs facing our community.  It also encourages parents, educators,
business owners, and other community organizations to promote
drug-free lifestyles.
“The dangers of substance abuse are clear, which is why it is so
important to focus on education and prevention,” Revel said. “We are
happy to have the cooperation and dedication from everyone who works
to present information about substance abuse.”
Schools across Escambia County will be treated to the BMX Bike Extreme
Demonstration as part of the week filled with awareness activities,
Revel said.
“BMX Bike Extreme Demonstration will be presented at all elementary
and middle schools this week,” Revel said. “In addition, there will be
classroom door decoration contests, Law Enforcement visits and
presentations on the danger of drugs, assemblies with guest speakers
including motivational speakers from Escambia County Drug Court,
coordinated by Denise Carlee, Special Operator Chief Charles Mitchell
Thornton, United States Navy S.E.A.L. (graduate of Flomaton High
School), and many more.”
Escambia County School Superintendent Billy Hines said the week is
one he is happy to see recognized throughout the school system.
“Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy,
drug-free lifestyles,” Hines said. “The campaign brings together
parents, schools, and businesses as we look for innovative ways to
keep our children and communities drug free.”
The red ribbon symbolizes a continuing commitment to reducing the
demand for illicit drugs in communities. Red Ribbon Week started in
1985 in California. It gained national recognition in 1988.
“The commitment to our students by Superintendent Hines, Sheriff
Grover Smith, District Attorney Stephen Billy, South West Alabama
Mental Health, Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton, the 21st Judicial
Circuit Drug Task Force, Escambia County Law Enforcement officials and
Atmore, Flomaton, Brewton and East Brewton Police Departments is
evident by the events coordinated throughout the county,” Revel said.
“Escambia County Chief Deputy Mike Lambert worked to coordinate the
BMX Bike demonstrations and worked hard to make this a good
presentation. Our school counselors and resource officers have also
been instrumental in making this week of recognition important to our
students. This is a time for us to recognize the importance of
prevention and recommit ourselves to fighting substance abuse.”
As a result of an initiative that began 26 years ago, more than 80
million people show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free life by
wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon during this special week of
recognition.