Red Ribbon Week Wraps Up
Stanley schools observed Red Ribbon Week last week in both the elementary and junior/senior high buildings. This year’s theme was “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free!” Living drug-free is an act of leadership, an everyday courage, and has a positive influence on peers, families and communities.
Students observed different dress up days all week. Monday was “We are RED-y to Be Healthy” with students wearing red. Tuesday was “Put Bad Choices To Rest” with student wearing pajamas. Wednesday students were wearing a superhero outfit as they recognized “Be A Hero - Stay Drug-free”. Thursday saw students wearing camo or tie die. Friday was “Say Boo to Drugs!” with students wearing their Halloween Costumes.
On Friday, student council members went to the elementary school for assemblies with the younger kids highlighting different ways they can make healthy choices. They also had time for games and activities with the kids.
At the high school, an assembly on Friday afternoon started with video on the dangers of drinking and driving. Students then took center stage for a talent show.
Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Although the start and end dates can vary slightly depending on the organization and source, Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October.
Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America.
Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.
Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out it. “I can’t not do this,” he told her. “I’m only one person, but I want to make a difference.”
The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent’s side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena’s body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.
Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, Camarena’s Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, California, Camarena’s home. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. These coalitions began to wear red badges of satin, red ribbons, as a symbol in Camarena’s memory. The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs and coalitions.