Navajo-Hopi Observer

TUBA CITY - Tuba City Boarding School, kindergarten through eighth grades celebrated Red Ribbon Week, October 23-27, 2006.  The entire student body gathered behind Building TC-10, listening to loud pop music and chatting with Mr Ciggy, a 12-foot-long cigarette. Mr. Ciggy grabbed students' attention by passing out anti-drug stickers and encouraging students not to smoke cigarettes.

Georgia Greeley, counselor technician and substance abuse counselor started the event by explaining, "Red Ribbon Week focuses on educating students about healthy choices, especially the choice to avoid drugs. TCBS celebrates Red Ribbon Week each year because new students just starting their journey through school who have not yet heard the anti-drug messages, need to be educated at a young age that drugs are dangerous and can be fatal."

Wayland Piestewa, teacher for the Gifted and Talented, encouraged students to be strong and remain drug free. Piestewa had the entire student body repeat The Pledge, which was obtained from drugfreeAZ.com.   

I pledge allegiance to myself and who I want to be

'Cause I can make my dreams come true if I believe in me

I pledge to stay in school and learn the things I need to know

To make the world a better place for kids like to grow

I pledge to keep my dreams alive and be all I can be

I know I can, and that's because I pledge to stay Drug-Free!

After the Pledge, 100 balloons were released into the air and the young primary students expressed excitement to see the balloons disappear into the sky.

Each day was filled with dress-up events such as "Sock It To Drugs" day where students wore red socks with red hats and red ribbons.  Substance abuse presentations were given by the Navajo Nation Behavioral Health Departments.  There was also an essay writing contest, a poster contest, a classroom window decorating contest as well as a Halloween costume contest.

TCBS thanks the following local resource agencies for their contribution and participation during Red Ribbon Week: Tuba City Navajo Law Enforcement, Navajo Nation Behavioral Health Department, TCBS students and staff.