National Red Ribbon Week 2011 Poster (left) Oconaluftee students and staff form their own red ribbon (right).

CHEROKEE, NC – In observance of Red Ribbon Week, one of the oldest and largest drug prevention programs in the nation, Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center hosted a full week of events.  To kick off the activities for ‘It’s Up to Me to be Drug Free’, more than 70 students united together with a group pledge and photo in the shape of the red ribbon, showing their commitment to the cause of drug prevention. Each recited, “I pledge to be drug-free and support the Red Ribbon Campaign by taking a stand in my community against substance use and abuse.” Oconaluftee Trainee Assistance Program Coordinator, Lakeshia Gallaspy, reemphasized that substance abuse is a community issue not just a personal one. “Drugs have a serious affect not only on the user, but their family and our communities”.

The other activities of the week included student presentations, clothing theme week, ice cream social, and a staff vs. student volleyball game ‘Spike Out Drugs’. During the students’ presentations, they used one word describing what it means to them to live a drug free lifestyle. Student Misty Wall stated, “The word self-control comes to mind- knowing you can, but deciding you won’t.” Another student, Karen Keller thought that ‘time’ summed up her thoughts. “Not using drugs will give me more time to spend with family and friends free from drug influence. That’s important”.

Gallaspy concluded “It was a great week for us here at OJCCCC. With all the support from the staff and students, we showed our continuous efforts to support a drug-free lifestyle. Drug abuse has claimed the lives of many of our youth and young adults, so it’s very important that we continue to promote and support the efforts of the Red Ribbon Campaign, not only for the last week of October, but everyday.” Center Director, M. E. Smith, was proud of the center and students as well. “As employers and educators, we should always emphasize our commitment to helping young adults live a drug free lifestyle”.

The Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center is associated with the National Forests of North Carolina. It is accredited by the Council On Occupational Education and currently serves 104 students.  The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.  The Agency manages over 200 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. For more information about the Oconaluftee JCCCC, visit oconaluftee.jobcorps.gov or jobcorpsnews.org/Oconaluftee