OFFICER ROBERT COLOMBO AND K-9 BART ‘PAY IT FORWARD’ DURING RED RIBBON WEEK AT HOLCOMB BRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

ROSWELL, GA. Wednesday, October 9: Students at Holcomb Bridge Middle School participated in the annual Red Ribbon Week—a program started in 1985 as a campaign to educate children about the negative effects of drugs and alcohol—but this year, they were inspired by Roswell PD Officer Robert Colombo and his K-9 “Bart.”

At the conclusion of a week-long program that commenced with students signing a drug-free pledge posted on their teacher’s door, followed by daily fun and interactive discussions in small groups, two special guest speakers closed the week’s activities—Dr. Lenore Doster, from the Summit Counseling Center, who led an interactive discussion with the 6th and 8th graders about developing a “winning attitude” and Officer Robert Colombo and Bart, members of the Roswell Police Department K-9 Unit. Officer Colombo shared the training he and Bart receive, how Bart detects drugs, and why we have a K-9 Unit.

Officer Colombo also shared a story about a young man he knew who went to Holcomb Bridge Middle School 26 years ago. The young man sat in the same bleachers during Red Ribbon Week and listened to a K-9 police officer speak about his dog and their training. He decided that very day to set his goals high and to become a K-9 officer himself. When it was revealed that Officer Colombo was that young man—the students cheered and clapped.

“While Red Ribbon Week begins in elementary school, the middle school years are key to engaging students in ways they may not have expected,” said Principal Joy Schroerlucke.  “Dr. Doster and Officer Colombo did a fantastic job engaging our students—and Bart played his role, too.”

Holcomb Bridge Middle School—a school of global classrooms—is located at 2700 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA. The school has received numerous distinctions, including the prestigious designation of Georgia National Lighthouse School to Watch for being a high-performing school that is academically excellent, developmentally responsive and socially equitable. Holcomb Bridge is also a Georgia School of Excellence and a Distinguished Title I School.