Kathy Beisner (302) 697-4333

CAMDEN, November 8, 2001—Each year, Rural Development (RD), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hosts an essay and poster contest for children in grades two through six living at multi-family housing properties financed by RD. "The theme of the contest is ‘Keeping our Neighborhood Drug and Crime Free’ and is Rural Development’s way of participating in the Red Ribbon Campaign," said Marlene Elliott, State Director for Delaware and Maryland. "The contest helps reinforce the message to the property owners and residents that Rural Development will not allow criminal or drug activities at any properties financed by USDA."

The contest was announced at approximately 170 properties throughout Maryland and this year’s winner of the poster contest is 11 year old Rakeem Hicks of Chestertown Cove Apartments in Chestertown, MD. A trophy, certificate and red ribbon were presented to Rakeem in a ceremony attended by family and friends at the office of Chestertown Cove Apartments. The primary purpose of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to establish and maintain community participation to bring about positive change. The Red Ribbon is a symbol for doing your part to free America of drugs and crime. Congratulations, Rakeem, on your poster and award.

USDA, Rural Development is the lead federal entity for delivering housing, community facilities, business, water and wastewater programs to rural communities. For more information on USDA, Rural Development visit www.rurdev.gov.

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