The Bakersfield Voice

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"Do you think these football players could do what they do if they used drugs and alcohol?" I asked the young audience sitting before me. Seven Centennial football players stood in a strong line next to me, generously donating their morning to an important cause.

"NO!" the crowd shouted back, made up of students at North Beardsley Elementary School. Being encouraged to scream at an assembly is any student's dream come true.

Guest speakers at Thursday's Red Ribbon Rally spoke to the students about the importance of Just Saying No. The messages were well-given and centered around the importance positive influences, and committing to living drug- and alcohol-free lives. Under the theme, "I Elect to Be Drug-Free," the rally wrapped up a nationwide Red Ribbon Week, when students pledge to steer clear of harmful substances.

Dana Martin, editor of the Northwest Voice, gave an encouraging talk to the students. Speaking on a level the children could easily comprehend, she asked them questions about good drugs and bad drugs, pointing out the differences between them.

Deputy Swanson from the Kern County Sheriff's Department brought along his K-9 partner Alex. He explained Alex's duties and why K-9 dogs are necessary to drug enforcement. As I knelt down to play with the canine, some students gasped as I tugged on his toy. Deputy Swanson explained that Alex was willing to show his friendly side because he didn't sniff out any drugs; otherwise, he would not be so anxious to play tug-of-war.

Another dazzler was third-grade student John Paul Grillo, his brother, and father, who pushed in their motorbikes while wearing full riding gear. Mr. Grillo spoke to the youngsters about making smart choices, pointing out that people who "use" spend money on their habit, not on fun toys like motorbikes. His clear message ended by having all three Grillos toss stuffed animals to the students.

Two popular staff members, Paul Miller and Diane Miller, surprised the audience with a Just Say NO rap. The biggest curveball of the morning, however, was the arrival of Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty being driven in by a caveman. Some of the youngest students may not have realized it was their principal, vice principal, two special education teachers, and a janitor hiding under the elaborate costumes. The crew sang a variation of the Flintstones jingle to reinforce the overall theme.

Some of the students at the school battle such pressures in their home environments, making the annual event even more important. Despite the fun and excitement of the event, the anti-drug message was clear, and NO was definitely the word of the day.

—Jennifer White is a third grade teacher at North Beardsley Elementary School.