Standing Against Drugs and Alcohol

October 23-31, 2015 marked this year’s Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States.

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985, after the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Kiki Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, and Captain Alfredo Zavala-Avelar, Camarena’s pilot. Camarena’s efforts uncovered a multimillion dollar narcotics operation in Chihuahua, Mexico, causing hostility. The two men were taken to a ranch in Angostura, Mexico where they were tortured and then killed.

After the men were found, citizens in Calexico, California, Camarena’s hometown, wore red ribbons in his honor. The red ribbon became their symbol for prevention in order to reduce the demand of illegal drugs.

California Congressman Duncan Hunter and California teacher David Dhillon launched “Camarena Clubs” in California high schools. In 1986, club members presented a proclamation to then First Lady, Nancy Reagan, who had initiated nationwide anti-drug programs. In 1987, parent-teacher organizations in California, Virginia, and Illinois wore the red ribbons. In 1988, the first National Red Ribbon Week, organized by the National Family Partnership and chaired by Nancy Reagan, was proclaimed by Congress.

SHG celebrates Red Ribbon Week in a different way. School counselor Denise Klemm, works in Drug and Alcohol Prevention. “Each day over the PA, statistics were read about the various types of drugs and how they can affect you. It is important to know the dangers of what you put into your body.” Teenagers are especially susceptible, Klemm says. “Brain development doesn’t finish until your mid-twenties, so using drugs in your teens will lessen the development of a healthy brain.” Students also had red ribbons placed on their lockers, so that every time they walked through the halls, they remembered what Red Ribbon Week is all about.

Red ribbons were placed on students’ lockers to commemorate Red Ribbon Week. Photo courtesy of Aili Eggleston

Students are asked to remember to stay away from drugs and alcohol at all costs and to speak out if someone you know is struggling. Freshman Adam Skowronski says, “If my friend was using drugs, I would tell an authority figure and they would do something.” There are always people willing to help. Klemm says, “If there is anyone you’re worried about, tell someone!  You can come to me, other counselors, teachers, etc.  Please do not keep quiet about it.”