YORBA LINDA

Two local Olympians visited Linda Vista Elementary School Friday to kick off the start of Red Ribbon Week. Rex Cawley, a 1964 gold medalist in the 400-meter hurdles, and Charles Bittick, a Pan American Games silver medalist and member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic water polo team, met with students to discuss the importance of “diligence.” Cawley lent his medal to Principal Pauline Schara to share with teachers and students throughout this week’s Red Ribbon activities, which promote a drug-free lifestyle.

Students took part in an “Olympic” jog-a-thon Friday as part of the school’s sports theme for Red Ribbon Week. Kindergartner Gavin Kane won the school’s drawing for a new bike in a program touting a healthful lifestyle.

Bittick told the students he was most in awe of the parents who packed the field to show support for their kids at the jog-a-thon.

“That’s the perfect example of diligence,” he said, “. . . making sure their children go to school and that they stay involved in their kids’ lives.”