Speakers stress making good decisions at anti-drug meet
Posted on Friday, October 24, 2008
BROOKE McNEELY Northwest Arkansas Times Marshallese dancers, front row from left, Delmon Makto, Paul Lang and Dustin Samuel perform a stick dance with other members of their dance group from Parson Hills Elementary School Thursday during the Red Ribbon Rally at Bud Walton Arena. Fifth-graders from all over Northwest Arkansas gathered in Bud Walton Arena to learn about the importance of anti-drug decisions at the rally.
University of Arkansas assistant football coach Tim Horton emphasized “ character development” to more than 1, 000 area fifth-graders Thursday during this year’s Red Ribbon Rally.
“ You have to do what’s right all the time, even when no one’s looking, ” the university coach said. “ If you do that, then you’ll have no problem developing character. You’ll also be able to do or be anything you want. ”
Horton was one of several speakers who attended Thursday’s antidrug rally. The event took place at Bud Walton Arena on the UA campus and attracted fifth-graders from ten area schools. Students took turns showing their school spirit during the rally by performing their own anti-drug cheers and competing for various prizes, such as T-shirts and candy.
Miss University of Arkansas Anne Wiser demonstrated her own anti-drug chant, before talking to students about the importance of positive influences.
“ I want to encourage all of you to get involved with activities you enjoy, ” she said. “ Find something that excites you, something you have a passion for that really interests you. I also urge you to surround yourself with people who support the activities you enjoy. ”
UA assistant basketball coach Rob Evans highlighted the importance of making smart choices. He encouraged students to reach their full potential by resisting peer pressure and staying true to themselves.
“ You need to be your own person, ” he said. “ Don’t let anyone talk you into doing something you don’t want to do. You all have a chance to do something special with your lives, but you have to stay away from drugs and alcohol to do it. ”
Red Ribbon Rally is hosted annually as part of National Drug Free Week and Red Ribbon Week in conjunction with Students Against Destructive Decisions. The event seeks to educate youth, families and communities about the dangers of drug abuse. The goal is to raise awareness among students and encourage them to make better choices, now and in the future, regarding drug abuse.
This year’s rally was spearheaded by the Washington County Juvenile Court in conjunction with Methamphetamine Awareness Month.
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