Fifth-Graders To Participate In Red Ribbon Rallies - May 4 & 12, 2010

Nearly 6,000 fifth grade students have been invited by InnerAct Alliance to attend Red Ribbon Rallies in May to encourage the choice of a positive lifestyle without the use of drugs. Events will take place on May 4 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, and on May 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the Polk State College Gym in Winter Haven

The anti-drug rallies focus on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school in the fall. Guest speaker will be Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator who now travels full-time throughout North America inspiring and encouraging individuals to do their best in all of their endeavors. Grady is the author of the book titled, "Who Packs the Parachute," and co-author of "Teen Power Too," and the book "Teen Power and Beyond." Community leaders will also be on hand to encourage the choice of a positive, healthy lifestyle without the use of drugs.

Fifth grade students have been challenged to create original essays, poems and posters that convey topical messages about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Contest winners will be recognized during the rallies with cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 awarded to overall first place winners in each contest category.

InnerAct Alliance, formerly the Drug Prevention Resource Center, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. The mission of InnerAct Alliance is to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency is proud to have provided substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities since 1985 with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, drug -free puppet shows, informative presentations, and family-oriented awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others in need with an important substance abuse message.

For more information on the Fifth Grade Rallies on May 4 and 12, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.