Crenshaw County Schools will celebrate &#8220Red Ribbon Week” Oct. 23 through the 27.

The purpose of &#8220Red Ribbon Week” is to promote a drug-free environment and lifestyle.

This year's drug-free motto is &#8220Believe! Achieve! Succeed! Be Drug Free!”

The county's schools and students will participate in daily activities throughout the week to support &#8220Red Ribbon Week,” including having dress-up days.

This year, Crenshaw County students will be in for a special treat as National Youth Motivator Ken McDonnell will visit each school to deliver his message, &#8220Life and Stuff.”

McDonnell is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, and he has appeared on Broadway, as well as in movies, commercials and soap operas. He is well known for his character s on &#8220All My Children” and &#8220One Life to Live.”

&#8220Mr. McDonnell is a dynamic speaker who has a wealth of experience in motivating middle and high school students,” Randy Wilkes, Crenshaw County Schools' Drug-Free Coordinator, said. &#8220We are really looking forward to his message ‘Life and Stuff' for the students. His messages will hopefully motivate our young people to be successful not only in school, but also in the real world outside of the classroom.”

During Red Ribbon Week, all Crenshaw County students will wear red ribbons donated by the Alabama National Guard.

&#8220We encourage all churches and businesses to join us and display a red bow on their door or marquee to show their support,” Wilkes added. &#8220Also, churches can further participate by placing a message in their church bulletins.”

McDonnell will visit each school on Monday, Oct. 23. He will first attend Highland Home School at 8 a.m., then Luverne School at 10 a.m., and Brantley High School at 2 p.m.

For more information, please contact Randy Wilkes at 335-6519, or the counselor at each individual school.