Red Ribbon week is now going on at Bellwood-Antis, and if you aren’t familiar with this special October week here is a few things to fill you in.
Started in 1988, Red Ribbon Week is Americas oldest and largest anti-drug campaign, made in honor of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was a Drug Enforcement Administration agent in 1985 before his unfortunate death caused by drug traffickers in California. Soon after, Camarena’s hometown began small celebrations in honor of the work he did to keep drugs away from the streets, eventually gaining the attention of the National Family Partnership starting a nationwide Red Ribbon Week.
Why the red ribbon? The red ribbon was used to express the disapproval of drug use, originally started by Cameren’s friend Henry Lozano and congressman Duncan Hunter during local celebrations.
B-A’s media center advisor Mrs. Solomon is helping to coordinate recognition of the week at the high school and middle school, using her influence in the media center to help spread the word of living drug free and the benefits of it.
“The media center has a lot of foot traffic for both the high school and the middle school student. What better way to get student excited about celebrating their choice to live a drug free life?” she said.
Taking action during this week and outside of this week is one of the greatest impacts someone can make in their community. It’s important to be there to show your support for those who have been negatively affect by drugs or still are. This week is meant to prove that those who are struggle with their choice to live drug free are not alone.
“I personally have been negatively affected by drug use, but through working in the nonprofit sector and meeting a number of individuals throughout my life that have been affected, I can’t just sit on the sidelines and not get involved in an opportunity to potentially help make that choice.” said Mrs. Solomon.
B-A has recognized Red Ribbon Week with a spirit week where students were able to dress up in theme-based outfits each day. There has also be promotion of a drug-free and healthy lifestyle on the morning announcements.
