Red Ribbons worn to support drug free youth

Valley View Elementary students got into the spirit of Red Ribbon Week, Wednesday,wearing red, and making posters, and walked holding them high as they walked around the neighborhood.

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.  Camareno died fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.

Celebrated each year in October this event began in 1985 shortly after Camarena’s death.

Within weeks of his death in 1985, Camarena’s Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, Calif., 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 members began to wear red ribbons, as a symbol of Camarena’s memory. The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs and coalitions.

The idea is to teach the students about the dangers of drugs while they are young to get them into positive habits before the adolescent years approach.

Red Ribbon Week  is more than just a “say no to drugs event, it is an opportunity for kids to pledge a drug free and alcohol free lifestyle.  The school plans activities throughout the week that are fun, interactive and show students that being creative and keeping busy with projects is a better alternative to drugs.

At the assembly held Wednesday border patrol agents Manny Figueroa and Dave Granger talked to all the students about the importance of staying drug free.  Granger and his drug dog Ares also demonstrated how Ares finds drugs.

Helping in the demonstration, P.E. teacher  Pat Beck slipped away from the assembly while Granger took Ares outside.  Granger brought Ares back and the super snooper went right to where Mr. Beck was hiding.  This was to show the students how Ares is also used to find lost or missing people.

Students and teachers wore red ribbons and dressed in red and chanted and cheered and an entire school of students pledged to stay drug free.

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 opposition to drugs.