Students Learn the Importance of being Drug Free During Red Ribbon Week

Updated: November 8, 2024

By Mike Villarreal

The Los Fresnos CISD proudly celebrated Red Ribbon Week from October 28 to October 31, 2024, with an exciting and engaging theme: “Life Is a Movie: Film Drug-Free.”
Throughout the week, students participated in various activities designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and the importance of making healthy choices. The district was thrilled to host presentations from the U.S. Border Patrol Brownsville Station Officers, the K-9 unit, representatives from the Mercedes Police Department, and the beloved character McGruff. Their involvement significantly enriched the educational experience for all students across the district.

These law enforcement professionals shared critical information about their roles in preventing drug abuse and protecting communities, demonstrating how they work tirelessly to keep children safe from the dangers of drugs. Through engaging demonstrations and interactive discussions, students gained valuable insights into the impact of drugs and the importance of a drug-free lifestyle.

The week was not only informative but also filled with creativity and fun. Students expressed themselves through various projects and activities highlighting healthy choices, underscoring the week’s theme. Overall, Red Ribbon Week served as a powerful reminder of the importance of making positive life choices and encouraged students to envision a future free from the influence of drugs.

Red Ribbon Week was established in 1988 by the National Family Partnership, with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons. This event is held annually from October 23 to October 31 to promote a zero-tolerance stance against drugs in our communities, workplaces, and schools. Annually, over 70 million people demonstrate their commitment to a safe, healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying a red ribbon.

Red Ribbon Week was established in response to the tragic death of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” S. Camarena, who drug traffickers killed in Mexico. Camarena was born on July 26, 1947, in Mexicali, Mexico, and graduated from Calexico High School in Calexico, California, in 1966.

In 1968, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for two years. After his military service, he worked as a Calexico police officer and fireman, ultimately serving as an Imperial County Sheriff.

Kiki Camarena joined the DEA in 1974, beginning his career as a special agent in Calexico, California. After three years, he was transferred to the Fresno district office. Four years later, in 1981, he received orders to move to Mexico to work at the Guadalajara resident office. Unfortunately, on February 7, 1985, before he could dismantle the drug traffickers’ operation, he was kidnapped and murdered.

During his 11 years with the DEA, Kiki received two Sustained Superior Performance Awards, a Special Achievement Award, and, posthumously, the Administrator’s Award of Honor, the highest honor given by the DEA.

After Camarena’s death, Congressman Duncan Hunter, along with a high school friend, Henry Lozano, started the Camarena Club in Calexico, California, Kiki’s hometown. Club members wore red ribbons to show their commitment to leading drug-free lives in honor of Camarena and others who lost their lives in the fight against drugs.

The momentum for Red Ribbon Week spread across California and the United States. In 1985, club members presented the “Camarena Club Proclamation” to then-First Lady Nancy Reagan, bringing national attention to the movement.

As a result, parent groups in California, Illinois, and Virginia began promoting the nationwide wearing of red ribbons in late October. The National Family Partnership, with President Reagan and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons, formalized the Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988.

From October 23 to 31 each year, more than 70 million people show their commitment to living drug-free lives by displaying or wearing a red ribbon.
Photos Courtesy of Los Fresnos ISD Schools