Area Fifth-Graders Celebrated Positive Choices at InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Rallies

 

InnerAct Alliance teamed up with the Lakeland Magic, the Orlando Magic’s affiliate in the NBA G-League, to add a fun sports element and celebrate healthy choices at the 2022 Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies held this month. This marked the agency’s first in-person Rally events held since COVID-19. Prevention Rallies help to reinforce critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school.

Winners of the Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rally for The Facts Contest were recognized during the Rally events on December 7 and December 15 for their creative poster, poetry, and essay entries illustrating the fact that the majority of Polk teens choose not to use drugs or alcohol. Community leaders and law enforcement encouraged students to find effective ways to deal with pressures and challenges in their lives without resorting to substance use. Students received Magic memorabilia.

The December 7 Rally was held at the Advent Health Fieldhouse for 600 students from East Polk schools. Attendees were welcomed by Winter Haven Mayor Brad Dantzler and Polk Sheriff’s Office Major Vance Monroe, Jr., along with Lakeland Magic General Manager Kevin Tiller, coaches and players. Magic mascot Swish entertained students prior to watching the team practice.

Rally Fun continued on December 15 for fifth-graders in the Lakeland area. Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz and Police Chief Sam Taylor, Jr. encouraged students to make healthy life choices and avoid risky behaviors. Students cheered for the Magic as they defeated the Birmingham Squadron by a score of 101-95 at the RP Funding Center. 

East Polk/Winter Haven  Area Fifth Grade Rally for the Facts Contest Winners

Overall Prize Winners

Poster                                                                                                                  
1^st Place - Liam F., Cypress Junction Montessori 

2^nd Place - Breezy M., Lena Vista                                   
3^rd Place – Sophia G., John Snively                                                  

Poetry

1^st Place – Rocco Z., Cypress Junction Montessori
2^nd Place – Morgann W., Lena Vista
3^rd Place – Isa P., Pinewood

Essay                                                                                                                    
1^st Place - Jeinni P., Cypress Junction Montessori               
2^nd Place - Mya B., Lena Vista     
3^rd Place – Brynlee B., Pinewood

School with Most Contest Participants - Cypress Junction Montessori

Lakeland Area Fifth Grade Rally for the Facts Contest Winners

Overall Prize Winners

Poster

1^st Place - Isabel P., Spessard E. Holland 
2^nd Place - Karlie J., Sleepy Hill                                    
3^rd Place - Bella K., Highlands Grove                        

Poetry

1^st Place – Braleigh P., Sleepy Hill
2^nd Place – Tjrenique R., Valleyview
3^rd Place – Eden V., Cleveland Court

Essay                                                                    

1^st Place - Sydney A., Valleyview
2^nd Place - Alysen H., McKeel Central
3^rd Place - Aiden M., Sleepy Hill

School with the Most Contest Participants – McKeel Central