Next week is Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. 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. And, perhaps more importantly, 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.
The Story Behind the Symbol
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference. 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 Camarena's memory. The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs and coalitions.
Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA's efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs. They pay homage not only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse.
Red Ribbon Week at Westphalia
As part of our Red Ribbon Week, Westphalia will be having a guest speaker come and talk about drug prevention and the importance of staying drug free. In addition, the district has designated specific dress up days to help energize students to stay drug free. The days are as follows:
Monday - "Team Up Against Drugs" - Wear team clothes from your favorite professional, college, or high school teams.
Tuesday - "Sock it to Drugs" – Wear your craziest socks to sock it to drugs.
Wednesday - We are celebrating a life free of drugs and by doing that we are putting a "cap" on drugs. Wear an interesting cap or hat.
Thursday - The ever-popular "pair up" day. Dress identical to a friend to remind each other that you should believe in yourself, and if you do, you will not use drugs.
Friday - "Our school is drug-free" - Wear Westphalia Blue jay clothing to show our pride in our school and that our future will come from education, not drugs.
We hope you will help discuss the importance of remaining drug free with your students!
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