KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - More than 500 middle and high school kids will gather at Seattle Center on Friday, April 28th to celebrate the culmination of Drug Free Washington Month. The activities will begin at 10:00 a.m., and will include a parade with school marching bands, a rally, and an awards ceremony.

"Most youth don't use drugs, tobacco or alcohol," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health -- Seattle & King County. "This isn't always an easy choice, but it's clearly the healthiest one, both for the individual and the community. We have to be very vocal in our support of these youth."

According to a 1998 Washington school survey, two out of three 8th graders have not had a drink in the last 30 days. Three out of four high school seniors do not smoke cigarettes. For every 10th grader who tried marijuana in the last 30 days, three others have chosen not to.

Twelve youth groups from Western Washington will receive the Governor's Recognition Award. Several Seattle youth will be among those recognized as members of the group Students Taking A Right Stand (STARS). This group organized 1500 of their peers at Denny, Madison, and Whitman middle schools to sign pledges to remain drug and violence free. They also collected clothing for homeless people in Seattle.

Poster contest winners include Gabrielle Matthews, a 10th grader in the Marysville-Pilchuk School District. Her slogan, "Friends can be a light in the darkness. Help your friends stay drug free," will be printed on t-shirts to be distributed at the rally.