Red Ribbon Week at PES

PES students wait patiently for the balloon launch that will officially kick-off Red Ribbon Week for 2009 at Monday's rally. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

For the 22nd year in a row, Piggott Elementary School is marking Red Ribbon Week with activities scheduled through Friday. This year's theme is "Peace Out to Drugs! Peace, love and hugs, not drugs!"

The weeklong observation began Monday with the annual Red Ribbon Rally. The event, which was held on the playground at PES, included the annual balloon launch and serves to officially kickoff the week of events.

PES principal Leean Mann served as the MC for the event, which included music from members of the Marching Mohawk band, a performance by the flag line members, music from the fifth grade choral students and remarks from various dignitaries.

Among those speaking to the students on the benefits of sobriety were Piggott mayor Gerald Morris, State Rep. Mike Patterson, Piggott schools superintendent Ed Winberry, Piggott police chief Bill Alstadt, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy Stephen Speer and keynote speaker Jerry Morgan.

Morgan, a minister and missionary, gave the students an impromptu magic show as he talked about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The presentation was well-received by the students and also enjoyed by the staff and parents on hand.

The rally also included the introduction of the winners in the annual essay and coloring contests and the top four essays were read aloud by the winners.

The overall winners in the essay contest were Presley Tullos for third grade, Madison Salter for fourth grade, Austin Magee for fifth grade and Madison Chandler for sixth grade. They were chosen from among four finalists from each class. The finalists all received a two dollar bill, while the top essayist got a ten dollar bill and had the chance to read their essay at the rally.

Winners in the coloring contest were, Karter Webb and Sara Dees for pre-school; Taylor Smart, Summer Pollard, Abby McCluskey and Maris Ascolese for kindergarten; Madison Ryans, Emma Shaw, Taylor McKie and Macey Williams for first grade and Shianne Higdon, Jenna Owen, Taylor Seal and Abigail Dutka for second grade.

Tuesday was "Come As You Are Day" and Wednesday students wore their favorite hats and dressed in their favorite team colors. Thursday will be Red and Black/Mohawks Say No To Drugs Day and everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite Mohawk attire. Friday is costume day, but masks will not be allowed.