Drug awareness event, essay contest set

The Columbus Young Marines are promoting drug awareness in the area with Red-Ribbon Week efforts and an essay contest.

Gov. Mike Pence and Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop have proclaimed the week of Oct. 23 to 31 will be Red-Ribbon Week, which is a nationwide call-to-action program about drug awareness. Lienhoop will present the proclamation to the Columbus Young Marines during a ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday on the steps of Columbus City Hall, 123 Washington St. Afterward, red ribbons will be tied around the trees downtown, and the Young Marines will distribute drug awareness material.

The essay contest is open to local students in Grades 7 through 12 on the topic “What it means to me to be drug free.”

Essays must be:

  • At least one page in length
  • In size 10 font
  • Double spaced

Essays should be submitted either by email to [email protected] or mailed to Columbus Young Marines, 4222 31st St., Columbus 47203, by Oct. 29.

Winners will be selected Oct. 31 by a panel of community leaders. The first place prize is $200, second place is $100 and third is $50.