Centre Mayor Phil Powell has signed a proclamation recognizing Oct. 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week to promote drug and alcohol abuse awareness.

The proclamation reads as follows:

-“WHEREAS, many communities across the country have organized Red Ribbon Campaigns to create an awareness of the drug problem and to show support for children who elect to “just say no”; and

WHEREAS, we use this means to encourage drug-free lifestyles by focusing attention on the drug problem in this nation; and

WHEREAS, we believe that our nation’s most precious commodity is its youth, and we urge all citizens, schools, clubs and businesses to participate in the campaign by displaying or wearing red ribbons this week;

NOW, THEREFORE, I do proclaim Octobert 23-31 as

RED RIBBON WEEK

Adopted and signed this 16th day of October, 2002.

Ann Beddingfield, librarian at Centre Middle School, said a variety of activities are planned throughout the week in observance of Red Ribbon Week.

“We will have presentations by local law enforcement personnel on Friday,” said Mrs. Beddingfield. “We will have a red wagon parade around our bus circle one day. Each day we will dress different. We will have a Team Up Against Drugs Day when we will wear our football jerseys and we will wear red one day for Red Ribbon Week.”

Red Ribbon Week, according to information provided by the Alabama Red Ribbon Campaign, is dedicated to DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers in Mexico 12 years ago. In response to his death, angered people across the country began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to being drug-free. The National Red Ribbon Campaign originated from Agent Camarena’s death. Today, the Red Ribbon stands as a symbol of Enrique’s belief that one person can make a difference and that together we can give the greatest gift to our future: drug-free youth.

“Red Ribbon Week is a chance to be visible and vocal in our effort to bring about a drug-free Alabama,” said Alabama Governor Don Siegelman. “Research proves that children and adolescents are less likely to use alcohol and drugs when parents and other role models clearly and consistently state their opposition to substance use and abuse. We owe it to our kids-the future of our great state-to help them realize their God-given potential through education, free from the harmful substances of alcohol and illegal drugs.