Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 invited students from Saint Mary Academy to the lodge Oct. 19 for a Red Ribbon Day picnic at the lodge’s outdoor Tiki area. Dee Pico-Keim, Lodge Drug Awareness Education Chair, gave a presentation about the origins of Red Ribbon Week and the dangers of illegal drugs and the abuse of prescription pills. They all played Red Ribbon bingo, which was also used as an educational resource. They then made posters using this year's theme and the Drug Awareness Education Committee judged the posters and gave out six prizes. Lunch consisted of burgers, hot dogs, chips and a beverage. They all received goody bags filled with sunglasses, frisbees, bracelets and more. The students took the pledge to be drug-free and were presented with certificates.
Pictured are the sixth, seventh and eighth graders holding their certificates, teachers and Drug Awareness Education Committee members.