Pleasant Hill pupils get responses

STEUBENVILLE - Dozens of red balloons were released into the sky by pupils at Pleasant Hill Elementary School in late October. And with each passing week since then, it appears more and more people are finding the balloons, with notes attached, and supporting the reason for which they were sent.

In marking Red Ribbon Week - a time set aside for pupils to learn about the importance of staying away from drugs - pupils took part in several activities coordinated by Richmond resident Amy Browning, who is a member of the school's Parent/Teacher Organization.

Principal Dana Snider explained Browning organized a balloon launch on Oct. 26, where red balloons were released along with a note reading that the pupils are "committed to living a drug-free life." The notes also read, "If you find this balloon, please send me a letter letting me know your name and where you found it."

Some responses have come from places the pupils had never heard about, according to Snider.

One letter came from New Bethlehem, Pa., and stated the balloon was found by a man who was out in the woods archery hunting. It continues by saying "best of luck on your commitment to being drug free."

Another letter from Beaver Falls, Pa., was mailed back to the school, indicating the balloon "must have traveled a great distance before deflating." The writer states she "will pray for you," and is supporting the school in its fight against drugs.

Snider said she is extremely pleased with the responses celebrating the pupils' commitment to remain drug free.

Red Ribbon Week also included a "Sock it to Drugs" day where pupils wore their craziest socks; "Give Drugs the Boot Day," where everyone wore boots; "Red Rally Day" when pupils wore as much red as possible; "Turn Your Back on Drugs Day," when shirts were worn backwards; and "Say Boo to Drugs."

An assembly also was held at the school with guest speakers from the Steubenville Police Department, Snider said.

Patrolman Jean-Philippe Rigaud, who serves as the D.A.R.E. officer, and Chief Bill McCafferty spoke to the pupils about the different choices they can make and why it is important to stay away from drugs.

(Ghrist can be contacted at jstenger@heraldstaronline.com.)