Red Ribbon week starts the 24th of October. Red Ribbon week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention that reaches millions of Americans during the last week of October. During this week students are encouraged to wear a red ribbon to symbolize a drug free life. But what people don’t know is that the program also pays tribute to DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
Special Agent Camarena was an eleven year veteran DEA assigned to the Guadalajara, Mexico, office where he was looking for secret drug shipments. On February, 1985 he was kidnapped and murdered by drug traffickers. His death opened the eyes of many Americans to the drug crises that is arising.
This year Red Ribbon week is on the same week as our Homecoming game against the Rouse Raiders, meaning that every day we will have a theme. The themes are:
- Monday 10/24- “Rock out the Raiders!”- Rock Band t-shirt and dress theme!
- Tuesday 10/25- “Wipe out the Raiders!” – Hawaiian Dress theme!
- Wednesday 10/26- “Rough up the Raiders!” Football jersey dress theme!
- Thursday 10/27- “Rattle the Raiders!”- Halloween dress theme!
- Friday 10/28- Viper Spirit Homecoming Mums Dress Day
It is accidental that Homecoming was planned on the same day as Red Ribbon week, due to the fact that Homecoming is rarely on the same date as it was the year before.“The program is national and draws national attention to the death of Agent “Kiki” and everyone stops and says it’s important, it gives teachers an opportunity to talk to students about a major issue” Mr. Little said.
Starting on the 24th, wear your Red Ribbon and be proud of supporting a drug free life and also don’t forget to show your spirit during homecoming week. Do you have an opinion on Red Ribbon week? Let us know about it in the comments below.
