NATION : Bush Hails ‘Clear Minds, Productive Lives’ in Safe, Drug-Free Schools

President Bush, opening a week of White House events focusing on youth, today called for a day when every school in the nation will be “safe and drug free.”

At a Rose Garden ceremony, Bush honored schools for their efforts to rid their corridors and classrooms of drugs.

Forty-seven schools from 24 states and the District of Columbia were honored in the annual Drug-Free Schools recognition program, launched by drug policy coordinator William J. Bennett when he was secretary of education in the Ronald Reagan Administration.

“As I look around here today, I see some of the top commandos in the war on drugs--our teachers, community leaders, parents and students,” the President said.

“You’re the ones winning this war, because you are the ones looking to tomorrow, you’re the ones who know it takes a clear mind to get a good education and lead a productive life. You understand that students have a right to learn in drug-free schools.”