Student leaders from 135 public, private and parochial schools in Baldwin and Mobile counties were honored by school system officials on Monday at the 10th Anniversary Superintendents’ Red Ribbon Leadership Awards Program. More than 900 family members, educators and community supporters were expected to attend the gala dinner at the Mobile Convention Center.

This annual event, sponsored by the Drug Education Council Inc., brings together the education community from both sides of Mobile Bay to recognize a student from each school who has led substance abuse prevention and community service activities throughout the fall.

Dr. Mark Foley, president of the University of Mobile, was the keynote speaker and was joined on stage for the Olympic-style awards ceremony by school superintendents JaNay Dawson of Baldwin County, Dr. Roy Nichols of Mobile County, Gwen Byrd of the Mobile Catholic Archdiocese and Dr. Wayne Vickers of the Saraland City Schools. 

Red Ribbon Week is celebrated each year as a time to promote healthy decision-making and a drug-free lifestyle among America’s schoolchildren. The Drug Education Council, a United Way agency that serves seven counties in southwest Alabama, created the Superintendents’ Red Ribbon Leadership Awards program in 2000 as a way to promote positive character and community service.

Another event highlight was the announcement of the 2010 Red Ribbon Leadership Scholarships –- a program initiated in 2005 to recognize those participating high school seniors whose service projects have made the greatest impact on their school and community. This year’s scholarships brought the total amount awarded by the Drug Education Council since 2005 to $24,000.

The Drug Education Council, located at 3000 Television Ave., in Mobile, delivers in-school and community-based drug education programs and counseling and referral services throughout the year.  For more information, contact the Drug Education Council at (251) 478-7855 or visit www.drugeducation.org

2009-10 Superintendents’ Red Ribbon Leadership Awards Program honorees

Baldwin County

public schools

Mobile County

public schools

Saraland city schools

Also recognized: