Ceremony unites children against drug abuse

Ribbon-tying event at Greenbrier High School caps campaign against alcohol and narcotics

Web posted October 29, 1998

By Debbie Steele
Columbia County Bureau

More than 400 children came together Wednesday to unite in the fight against drug use and abuse during a ribbon-tying ceremony between Columbia and Richmond counties.

The ceremony, held at Greenbrier High School, was the climax of Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign aimed at discouraging drug and alcohol use.

``When we have Red Ribbon Week, it's one of the most important times and important things we do as a school for students,'' said Gloria Hamilton, principal of Greenbrier High. ``Each year, it just seems that the focus becomes greater and greater.''

``As you make choices, I hope you will be educated and respect yourself,'' said Gene Sullivan, deputy superintendent of Richmond County schools. ``You're our reason for being here, kids, and I'm very proud of you.''

Chris Smith, an Evans Middle School seventh-grader, spoke on the theme ``I've Got Better Things to Do Than Drugs.''

``I know that all of you do have better things to do,'' he said.

Keynote speaker Al Jones of Charter Hospital urged students not to fall into the traps of drug use by reminding them to use self control and take responsibility for their own actions.

``There are going to be times when people encourage you to do things that are not right,'' he said. ``Give yourself permission to do the things that you know are right.''

Plaques were presented to six students -- three each from Columbia and Richmond counties -- who were named poster winners in the ribbon-tying contest.

As students tied the symbolic red ribbon uniting the two counties, Andy Chalker reminded them of the reason for the occasion.

``The one goal ... we all need to join hands in this fight against drugs,'' said Mr. Chalker, the drug free coordinator and director of student services for Columbia County schools. ``It's a holding of hands and a joint effort to do away with drugs.''

Debbie Steele covers education for The Augusta Chronicle's Columbia County Bureau. She can be reached at 868-1222, Ext. 109, or ccchron@augustachronicle.com.