Return
to the "POINTER VIEW"November 2, 2001
Return
to the "POINTER VIEW"
November 2, 2001
Red ribbon rally
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| Clockwise from front left: First grader Isabella Paolicelli, fourth grader Eddie Harorian, third grader Andrea Howard, fourth grader Peter Nelson and first-grade flag bearer Ben Taylor say "The Pledge of Allegiance" on the West Point morning news show to open the school day Tuesday. |
West Point school kids take part in annual "Red Ribbon Campaign" activities
Story and photos by Valerie
VanKleeck
Assistant Editor
The National celebration of Red Ribbon Week started Oct. 23 and ended Wednesday. As part of this annual event at West Point, McGruff the Crime Dog and his military police trainer Sgt. Christopher Bamberg accompanied Alcohol and Drug Control Office Education Coordinator John Capen and Youth Development Coordinator Jim Bennett to the West Point Elementary School Tuesday to spread the campaign message "Free to be Drug Free."
Principal Joel Hansen led the foursome from room to room, starting with the kindergarten classes, to talk to the children about healthy choices and the importance of remaining drug free. They also distributed red ribbons and drug free illuminating stars to all.
When questioned what the red ribbon represented, even the youngest had some idea, although one kindergartener was a little confused when he replied, "It means Valentine’s Day is coming." Drug awareness through the Red Ribbon campaign is a key vehicle to teach the youngsters about their choices, according to Capen.
"I bet he’ll know the answer to that question next year," Capen said. "This (visiting the school) is intended to bring a fun aspect into a very serious issue and with the help of McGruff, it seems to be doing an adequate job."
 Above: Michael Dimeo, 5, proudly displays his red ribbon on his shirt.
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Top left: MP Sgt. Christopher P. Bamberg and McGruff prepare to hand out illuminating drug-free stars, one of the gifts the group gave to children to help celebrate Red Ribbon week.Top right: McGruff the Crime Dog; Jim Bennet, youth development coordinator; and John Capen, education coordinator, speak to a kindergarten class at the West Point Elementary School about the importance of remaining drug free. The group toured the school Tuesday as part of the annual Red Ribbon Campaign Celebration and distributed items to the children in each class. Bottom left: McGruff and Jasmine Scott, 6, share a moment together. Bottom right: Rachel Fontenot (5) and Virginia Smith (5) answer a question in unison.
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