First row Mariana Fonseca, Kaylee Klostermann, Shayla Peshel, McKenna Knock, Kenzie Smith, Abbie Parizek, Alicia Guzman, Eunice Avalos, Vanesa Martinez, Makayla Vest. Second row Sabrina Holtz, Jennifer Nunez, Esmeralda DeLaTorre, Saylor Upah, Jessica Timm, Steph Slaven, Grace Jimenez, Bri Nelson, Makayla Gates, Madison Stull, Kacee Hamor, Lauren Gumm. Third row Dalaynee Henle, Brittney Breya, Shae Slaven, Allison Yuska, Madison Rohach, Serena Lowe. Fourth row Alexia Hoffman, Hunter White, Thayne Lamb, Colton Vest, Brady Fritz, Lane Koch, Nate Drummer, Drake Crawford and Wyatt Hintermeister News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

Submitted by

Anita Townsley

Rock In Prevention was held at South Tama County Elementary on Thursday, October 27th to culminate Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week is a week long celebration of talking with students about healthy choices.

Rock in Prevention helps children, teachers and parents learn the methods and skills to prevent bullying and drug use through music with their Rock workshops.

Hey Hey what do you say? During Rock in Prevention children dance, laugh, sing and jump as a song is played by the Rock in Prevention leaders. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

The workshops are developed to touch the hearts and minds of children, teachers and parents and help them make healthy choices.

Since 1990 Rock in Prevention has been helping more than 1.5 million students and parents.

The program included a live, in-school, educational workshop that provided educational messages, social dramas and interaction among young students, their teachers, and trained high school mentors. Thirty nine high school mentors participated all day with the elementary students. Three different sessions were held for students with PS/K/1st grade having one session, 2nd and 3rd graders another session, and 4th graders in a session.

Education materials included CDs for families to reinforce the positive messaging and empowerment tools.

SKIP of Tama County , Supporting Kids in Prevention, partnered with South Tama Elementary and supplied the funds for the program.

Esmeralda DeLaTorre, Jennifer Nunez, Makayla Vest, Vanessa Martinez and Mariana Fonseca tell STC Elementary students why they chose to stay drug free at Rock in Prevention. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

STC Elementary counselor Anita Townsley joins in with the students during a song at Rock in Prevention. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

Victor Wrese-Lasley and Jadee Nunez participate in Rock in Prevention at the STC Elementary. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham