Laker girls bring anti-drug message to local Temple City students

By Caroline An, Staff Writer
Pasadena Star News
11/1/2009

TEMPLE CITY – Two Laker girls brought the spirit of Red Ribbon Week to Cloverly Elementary School this past week, extolling students to stay in school, stay off drugs and “keep a good crowd of friends.”

“Kobe Bryant didn’t do drugs,” said Laker girl Dara, 20, who like all the members of the professional cheer-leading squad doesn’t use her last name at public appearances, as per team policy.

“If you have a support group of friends and family, you will always be on the straight path,” said Laker girl Veronica, 22, who attended Temple City schools and told students she had always dreamed of being a professional dancer.

“Whatever you strive to do, you can get there,” she said.

The pep talk culminated Cloverly’s Red Ribbon Week activities, which typically include fun activities to drive home the week’s serious anti-drug theme, school officials said. This year’s events included a Frisbee competition and a festive Hawaiian day.

“We had BMX professional bikers come for an assembly where they performed stunts for the kids,” Principal Trang Lai said.

Following the performance, the bikers told students there was no way they could do stunts if they took drugs, Lai added.

Dara and Veronica, dressed in Lakers purple and gold, brought the same message.

“Drugs can harm your body and stop you from excelling,” Dara told students.

Fifth-grader Kristen Wong took it to heart.

“I took a pledge to not take drugs or drink,” she said.

Her classmate, Kristi Young, said she promised her teachers and her family that she would lead a drug-free life.

“I’m not going to take drugs, and I’m going to study hard and just be a good student,” Kristi said.