When it comes to educating students on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, Lehighton Area School District's Tim Tkach feels the younger you get to a child, the better.

It comes as no surprise then that the director of curriculum, instruction and grants has geared this year's Red Ribbon Week activities to prevention."Our main focus is trying to get to kids before they start using," Tkach said. "Awareness and prevention is the key."Red Ribbon Week kicked off Friday in Lehighton with a pep rally at the middle school.This week, elementary, middle and high school students have dressed up differently for each "theme day."Thursday, for example, was Hats Off to Drugs at the four elementary buildings and each student was encouraged to wear a hat. The middle school followed suit by asking students to wear a crazy wig or hair style, while high school students dressed from the past for "Throwback Thursday."Other theme days promoted wearing red, crazy socks, a tie-dye shirt, craziest outfit, favorite uniform, pajamas and western attire.It isn't all fun and games, however.Two assemblies at the elementary schools focused on bullying and making positive decisions when it comes to drugs."It's scary when I hear kids say that getting heroin is cheaper and easier than getting beer," Tkach said. "If you use this stuff a few times, you're hooked and it's nearly impossible to keep someone clean. That is why we really try to be proactive with our students."Students at each level signed "Be Drug Free" banners that will be displayed at Friday's home football game against Tamaqua.Guests at the game will also have a chance to sign banners as they enter the stadium. "During the game, we'll also be making announcements with facts and tips for students and parents about staying drug free," Tkach said. "It's important that we get it through to our students how important it is not to abuse drugs and alcohol, but it's also important we get the community involved."The community has done its part. Over 300 local businesses have donated items for Red Ribbon Week, said Tkach's secretary, Rebecca Karpowicz, who was instrumental in organizing the week's activities.Each grade level at each district building has a student ambassador who takes the lead in encouraging fellow students to stay drug free. Those ambassadors were rewarded with a special lunch during the week.Members of Lehighton's Students Against Destructive Decisions organization also attended middle school lunches to talk to students about being positive role models.The Red Ribbon Campaign began nationwide after Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. The ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities."We've been doing Red Ribbon Week activities here at Lehighton for as long as I can remember," Tkach said. "It seems to grow bigger each year. We get a lot of feedback from the students, especially the elementary students. They get really excited for this week."