Doniphan Schools To Celebrate Red Ribbon Week

During the week of Oct. 25-29, Doniphan schools will be participating in Red Ribbon Week, a nationally acclaimed celebration to educate people across the world about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco use.

Red ribbon week is celebrated in honor of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by Mexican drug cartels who sought revenge after Mr. Camarena uncovered their multimillion-dollar drug operation in Mexico. Citizens of his hometown of Calexico, Calif. began wearing red ribbons in his honor to symbolize drug prevention to reduce the demand of illegal drugs.

In 1986, Congressman Duncan Hunter and teacher David Dhillon launched the program in California high schools. In 1988, the first National Red Ribbon Week was proclaimed by the U.S. Congress.

Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.

While there been some success in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse, the battle continues. According to an annual survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control, nationwide 32 percent of students have tried alcohol and 11.3 percent have tried marijuana by the age of 13. Red Ribbon Week can be the springboard for conversations to help promote a community free of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.

To learn more about Red Ribbon Week and find out how you too can “pledge to be drug-free” for your community, please visit www.camarenafoundation.org.

Monday, Oct. 25 - Pajama Day - Drug free looks like living the dream. Wear your pajamas.

Tuesday, Oct. 26 - Character Day - Drug free looks like good character. Dress like your favorite book, movie or TV character.

Wednesday, Oct. 27 - Boots and Ballers. Drug free looks like fun to me. Dress in your western or athletic wear.

Thursday - Oct. 28 - Black and gold day. Drug free looks like school spirit. Wear black and gold.

Friday - Oct. 29 - Halloween. Drug free looks like me on Halloween. Wear a school appropriate Halloween costume - no costume masks or props.