"We are pleased to be a part of this national effort," said principal Dan Palisch. "We believe this is a very positive way to encourage students of all ages to make wise choices for the health of their bodies, minds and spirits."

Red Ribbon Week was inspired by the tragic death in 1985 of undercover Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique Camarena at the hands of Mexican Drug traffickers. More than 80 million young people and adults across the United States were expected to participate in this year's important and informative program.

The St. Paul student body kicked off Red Ribbon Week with a special assemblyfeaturing Corporal Paul Smilley of the Peachtree City Police Department. Smilley is in charge of the local D.A.R.E. program, which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Smilley informed the students about the dangers of two of the most dangerous, yet common, drugs: tobacco and alcohol. He warned of the serious consequences these drugs have on people's health and safety and encouraged the young people to make wise decisions now that will positively affect the way the way they live the rest of their lives.

Other activities during St. Paul's Red Ribbon Week included a canned food drive with the theme, "I Can, You Can, We Can Be Drug Free;" a mismatched clothing day to proclaim "Drugs and I Don't Mix;" and a "Team Up Against Drugs Day," where students wore their favorite sports team jerseys. The entire student body also made a special handprint banner that said "Hands Off Drugs Is the Way!"

St. Paul Lutheran School, at 700 Ardenlee Parkway, is Peachtree City's only private Christian school offering classes from Pre-K2 through eighth grade.