Local students and elected officials kicked off Red Ribbon Monday with a celebration at Crestwood Elementary School.

The 10th Judicial District Drug Court has partnered with the city of Meridian and Lauderdale County and Meridian public schools to celebrate the week-long national observance, which began last Friday and continues to Saturday.

“Freedom is … Drug Free” is this year’s theme, which is aimed at helping create awareness of the drug problems facing every community; to develop parent and community teams to combat alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; and to promote a drug-free lifestyle for all Mississippians. According to Lauderdale County Court Judge Veldore Young, who presides over the 10th Judicial District Drug Court, Red Ribbon Week alone cannot solve the state’s drug problems.

“It can raise awareness and encourage participation in drug-free activities,” said Young. “Red Ribbon Week is one tool in a comprehensive continuum of prevention activities, and it provides an excellent starting point for implementation of community-based prevention efforts.”

At the local kick-off celebration, students from Crestwood, Parkview, Oakland Heights, Poplar Springs, West Hills and T.J. Harris Elementary, along with city and county officials, recited a pledge, signed a pledge card and rallied as they choose to live a drug-free lifestyle.

Red Ribbon Week was established by the U.S. Congress in 1988 to commemorate the work of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered in 1985. The Red Ribbon campaign promotes the belief that one person can make a difference in the fight against drugs, and encourages a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts.

The purpose of Lauderdale County’s 10th Judicial District Drug Court is to promote drug-free living through intense supervision, accountability, family involvement and effective treatment to improve the quality of life for adults, their families and the community.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week, visit this Web site: www.usdoj.gov/dea/ongoing/red_ribbon/redribbon_history.html