E.M. Rollins students take 2nd annual drug-free walk


Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Third, fourth, and fifth grade students at E.M. Rollins Elementary School took their second annual Drug-Free Walk to the Henderson Police Department as the final event of Red Ribbon Week yesterday afternoon.

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation. Millions of Americans observe Red Ribbon Week during the last week of October by wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events. During the event, young people pledge to live a drug-free life.

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

The event was originally conceived of and organized by E.M. Rollins guidance counselor Pat Frazier.

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

With the help of two bicycle officers, a crime prevention officer, and the city’s CounterAct officer to guide the children across city streets, approximately 220 students and 30 adults made their way from the bus lot of their school to Breckenridge Street to present Henderson Police Chief Keith Sidwell with a pledge to remain drug free.

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Members of Safe Kids Henderson-Vance also assisted with the walk.

During the walk, students waved signs sporting anti-drug slogans to passing motorists and fellow pedestrians. Some students chanted spontaneous slogans against drugs as they walked by downtown businesses.

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Outside the police department, Sidwell accepted the banner from the E.M. Rollins students and praised their efforts to live a life free of drugs. Before the students walked back to school, Sidwell was treated to a step team performance by a group of fifth grade girls.

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009

Red Ribbon Week Drug-Free Walk 2009