'Love Yourself, Be Drug Free'

FLORIDA — "Love Yourself, Be Drug Free."

A simple five-minute "do now" exercise conducted by S.S. Seward Institute seventh-grade teacher Lynn McGovern during Red Ribbon Week last October earned her student Alexa Dougherty, the daughter of Theresa Dougherty, national recognition.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, Assistant Principal Susan Moore made the surprise announcement to students assembled in the school's cafeteria that Alexa's slogan, "Love Yourself, Be Drug Free," was the winning entry in the 2014 Red Ribbon Slogan Contest sponsored by The National Family Partnership.

That organization works to accomplish drug awareness through parent training, parent networking and the National Red Ribbon Campaign, which sends a consistent "anti-drug" message to young people.

"Alexa's slogan will be featured in schools throughout the nation this coming October and will take a prominent place in history alongside other famous slogans including Nancy Reagan's 'Just Say No,. ad campaign," said McGovern. "Alexa is every teacher's delight, conscientious and hardworking. I hope this 'win' will inspire her classmates."

Alexa's slogan will be printed on T-shirts, posters, stickers, balloons and red ribbons, distributed throughout the country next October.

And S.S. Seward Institute will also receive $500 in Red Ribbon Week merchandise.

Theresa Dougherty, who presented her daughter with a bouquet, was not surprised, noting that Alexa has always had a gift with words.

However, when asked how she felt about the announcement that she had won, her first response was simply: "Wow!"

According to James Conklin, executive director of the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Orange County, Alexa is the first Orange County resident to win the national slogan contest sponsored by The National Family Partnership, formerly known as the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth.

"Congratulations Alexa on a monumental accomplishment," said McGovern. "You have made your school and community very proud."