Schools observe Red Ribbon Week

It’s National Red Ribbon Week, as schools and law enforcement team up to spread awareness of the dangers of drug abuse.

South Fremont High School brought in a new secret weapon to fight the war on drugs, and his name is Monte Stiles.

“He didn’t lecture kids,” said South Fremont principal Larry Bennett, of Stiles’ modern approach to preventing drug use. “He just told them some facts.”

Stiles is a former federal prosecutor who has traveled all over the world to take down drug traffickers.

Now, Stiles travels from school to school in hopes of stopping drug use before it starts.

“Wherever people have a need to have the information that I have, I come and share it and do the best I can,” Stiles said.

Stiles paints a vivid picture, warning students of the personal dangers of drug use.

“I try to contrast the drug world and how it narrows your freedoms and narrows your focus to the world of photography, where for me, it’s expanded my enjoyment of the world — all the people, all the places, all the things to do,” Stiles said.

He also discusses the greater impact on society which drugs can have.

“We’re spending a lot of money on peoples’ bad choices. (Drug addicts) make the choice to steal, or rob, or use drugs or abuse their children,” Stiles explained. “We end up spending money fixing things instead of building things.”

Bennett lauded Stiles, calling his talk to students “relatable.”

“I thought it was outstanding,” Bennett said. “(Stiles) had a good message.”

Stiles also visited students at Madison High School.

He will be holding a public meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Rexburg Tabernacle to talk about drug issues.