November 8, 2025 Issue, Page 10 of 20

Page Text

NEWS 10• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025 The Elk City News It is Disney at the Bank of Western Oklahoma, the happiest place on Earth, where dreams come true. Red Ribbon Week 2025: “Life Is a Puzzle. Solve It Drug Free.” This October, schools across porting others. Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Ca- Some schools took the mes- nadian, Grady, Grant, Harmon, sage even further by organizing Jackson, Kingfisher, Kiowa, victims impact panels. These Texas, Washita, and Woodward panels featured speakers who counties celebrated Red Ribbon shared personal stories about Week 2025 with creativity, com- how substance abuse affected passion, and community spirit. their lives and communities. Embracing this year’s theme, Honest and emotional testimo- “Life Is a Puzzle. Solve It Drug nies encouraged students to re- Free.”, students and staff partic- flect deeply on the consequences ipated in a variety of activities of drug use and the importance that highlighted the importance of making informed, positive of making healthy choices and choices. supporting one another. Red Ribbon Week 2025 was Throughout the week, cam- more than just a celebration; it puses were alive with themed was a meaningful movement. By dress-up days that brought ex- connecting the pieces of aware- citement and awareness to the ness, empathy, and action, stu- cause. From puzzle-piece pat- dents across the region were re- terns to team spirit outfits, each minded that living drug-free is day served as a visual reminder a powerful way to complete the that everyone plays a role in puzzle of a healthy life. solving life’s challenges without For more information about drugs. South Western Oklahoma De- In a powerful act of service, velopment Authority’s Substance schools hosted food drives, col- Use Prevention efforts in your lecting donations for local fam- area, please visit www.swoda.org ilies in need. These efforts not or contact DeShawna Smyth, As- only helped stock community sistant Project Manager for Pre- pantries but also taught students vention at [email protected] the value of giving back and sup- or 580-562-5039. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF MERRITT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT The Board of Education of a candidate for this seat at the Merritt Public School District Beckham County Election Board hereby announces that statutori- between the hours of 8 a.m. and ly qualified individuals interest- 5 p.m .. on each of the follow- ed in running as a candidate for ing days: Monday, December 1 the # 1 seat on the Merritt Board through Wednesday, December of Education may file to run as 3, 2025. Elk City, a special Thank You from Bluepeak: All active-duty military members and veterans can now enjoy Available only by phone. $10 off per month on select plans and free installation. Call 605-307-9880 & press 2 *Advertised offer only available for U.S. residents, 18+ who are new residential customers in fiber serviceable areas. See offer details at mybluepeak.com/offer-details.