Capitol Red Ribbon Rally

Several Rummel Creek Elementary students joined fifth- and sixth-graders from across Texas last month in Austin for the Partnership for a Drug-Free Texas Red Ribbon Rally held at the state Capitol.

The event was held in observance of the national Red Ribbon Day, which is held each year to honor Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The agent was killed in 1985 by drug traffickers. Red Ribbon observances are held to support grassroots efforts to keep our young people drug-free.

The Capitol event included an assembly with music and entertainment, and a big rally on the steps of the Austin statehouse. Fifth- and sixth-graders from 20 schools in Texas were invited to the rally.

In addition to the rally, Rummel Creek students took part in mock legislative sessions in the House and Senate chambers. Students also wrote and presented their own drug-free bills, which were read and then voted on by the student gathering.

Rummel Creek students who wrote their own bills included:

·         Kirby Koster, “Prevent Sale of e-Cigarettes to Kids Under Age 18”

·         Emily Whipple, “Smoking by Healthcare Professionals and Educators”

·         Fay Gibb, “Mandatory Drug Testing for Public Assistance”

·         Nayiri Ohanian, “Prevention of Underage Tobacco Use”

·         Rachel Whipple, “Rehab for People With Drug Addiction Who Go To Jail”

SBISD students also met with local staff members with State Rep. Jim Murphy’s office on the Capitol lawn for ice cream and photographs.

Rummel Creek teacher Courtney Fowler arranged the trip, which was sponsored by Partnership for a Drug-Free Texas.