Letter to the Editor

Red Ribbon Week

Dear Editor:

Each fall during Red Ribbon Week, communities unite to educate children about the harmful effects of drugs and to show them the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle. Attention-getting activities and memorable lessons fill the week.

The inspiration for this special occasion was the 1985 murder of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent on assignment investigating drug trafficking in Mexico. To honor him, drug prevention programs called Camarena Clubs were started. People wore red ribbons to show their support. This eventually turned into Red Ribbon Week, which was officially proclaimed by Congress in 1988.

In the Nevada R-5 School District, team leaders from each building along with their team members have planned exciting and educational events for all students. These activities would not be possible without all of the support from several businesses and civic groups within our community.

A major focus this year is not only on the importance of being drug-free, but also about making good choices on being safe, especially in vehicles. Several high school students have been promoting the use of seat belts to all drivers, especially their peers at NHS and NRTC. The "Arrive Alive -- Buckle Up" message is an important one for all.

I hope you will support the efforts and education in all schools during Red Ribbon Week by wearing a RED ribbon or RED clothing on today, Oct. 18. This is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the red ribbon, Oct. 16-21 in the Nevada R-5 School District.

If any business would like red ribbons for your employees to wear, please give me a call at Nevada High School, 448-2020, ext. 5047.

On behalf of all students and staff in our district, I'd like to say "Thank you!" in advance for your support to our drug-free programs.

Sincerely,

Ranea Schulze

Nevada R-5 Safe and Drug-Free Schools Coordinator

Down syndrome not an illness

Editor:

There are those in the community who believe that Down syndrome is a disease, and not a chromosomal birth defect or disorder. Those people need to be educated.

If you are standing next to a person who has Down syndrome and he or she sneezes, do you wake up the next morning and have a bad case of Down syndrome? No. Do kids get sent home from school with Down syndrome for fear they might spread it? No. Sound ignorant? Yes. However, this sounds no more ignorant than people who believe Down syndrome is a disease.

My wife and I have parented three kids with down syndrome for more than 16 years. When you think you've heard it all, then you hear it again -- something stupid that raises one's ire.

To educate further, I would like to advise that people are not "victim's" of Down syndrome nor do they "suffer" from Down syndrome. People with cancer and people who are in car accidents are "victims" people who have AIDS or knee replacement "suffer."

Remember the next time you consider a chromosomal birth defect to be a disease, think before you speak. Ignorance is the worst disease of all!

David Shipp

Nevada