Middle schoolers have fun in anti-drug programSpoons flew from wiggly, red Jell-O to gaping mouths Tuesday during a speed-eating contest at Astoria Middle School.

The jiggly event was part of Red Ribbon Week, a national week to celebrate prevention efforts for alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

The AMS leadership class planned red-related events throughout the week. Today, those who wear red clothing will receive candy from the school mascot, and Thursday, students will sign a pledge against drug and alcohol use. That pledge will get them into a dance Friday.

Students submitted their names in a random drawing for the chance to consume cherry Jell-O at the fastest speed possible.

“It’s easy to go down,” AMS seventh-grader Zach Tuter said.

AMS eighth-grader Colton Holt said Jell-O isn’t even a real food.

“It’s easy to slurp,” he said. “You just go sssllluuup.”

– Leanne Josephson