CHICKASAW COUNTY - The annual Red Ribbon week was observed last week with Chickasaw County schools joining in full force.

Red Ribbon week was established in 1985 following the torture and death of DEA agent, Enrique Camarena, who was murdered while working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico. His efforts led to a tip that resulted in the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics operation.

California Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and teacher, David Dhillon began forming anti-drug clubs in California schools and the idea spread throughout the United States. In 1988, the U.S. Congress proclaimed the first Red Ribbon week which was chaired by Nancy Reagan.

During the week long event, Chickasaw county schools tailored activities to the age and grade level of students.

"For Red Ribbon week here at Houlka Attendance Center, we made posters for the students to sign and pledge to be drug free," said School Nurse Jennifer Brents via e-mail. "Also, we had students read drug facts during our morning announcements for all the students to her. We played the "Are you Smarter than the Rest of the School" game where we would ask the entire school a question pertaining to the color red and the first class that called the office with the correct answer won a prize for the day."

At HUES, students participated in a different activity each day including "Stay in the game," wearing athletic/cheer attire; wearing blue for "Drugs give you the Blues day,"; "Pledge to be Drug Free,"; Crazy Sock day and a finale of "Character Day." The school also enjoyed a program by Lee Womack of the CSO who brought along Max the drug dog.

The third grade teachers dressed up their hallways with a theme of "Don't Get Caught in a Web of Drugs," incorporating a spooky Halloween aspect to Red Ribbon week.

"The students were taught lessons on drug awareness and the third grade students drew posters to promote drug awareness," said teacher Lana Cruse via e-mail.

Students voted for a winner from each class and staff members chose on overall winner. Zoe Craig was selected the winner in her grade, while Halle Hollingsworth, Georgia McMullen, Javontae Wofford, Peyton Murphree, Dakota Reeves and Hunter Boyette were class winners.

Okolona Elementary School participated in the week, starting each morning with a school-wide, drug free devotion read by students. Each day was dedicated to a theme including Hat day, Decorating day, Sunglasses day, Scary Sock day, Reading day and Pledge day during which students pledged to be drug free.

The third through sixth grade classes wrote essays and drew pictures and guest speakers were invited in to the school to discuss the dangers of drugs.

Red ribbon programs were also held at HLES and HMS. Students across the county were informed on drug awareness in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

"We had a wonderful week," Brents said. "The students and staff members were very supportive and seemed to understand the true meaning of Red Ribbon week."