Following the tragic death of a U.S. Agent, the Red Ribbon became a symbol of drug awareness and prevention. Red Ribbon Week is

celebrated nationwide annually, and Upper Perk is no exception. Most American students are familiar with this event, which usually occurs in the fall, where students are encouraged to dress in specific outfits to help spread awareness. However, the true history of the event is commonly overlooked.

 Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was a Mexican-American intelligence officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1985, Camarena was kidnapped by the Guadalajara Cartel where he would be tortured and executed. Following this event, the Red Ribbon became a symbol in local communities and eventually

spread throughout America. According to campusdrugprevention.gov, “the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President [Ronald Reagan] and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary Chairpersons. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has taken on national significance.”

Since then, Red Ribbon Week has become a national event that many schools celebrate across the country. Upper Perk also participated in this effort to spread awareness of the dangers of drugs. Ms. Hogland, the event coordinator, says that Red Ribbon Week is, “Just making sure that kids are making healthy and safe decisions with their minds and bodies.” Online, students can find a few fundraisers where they can donate or submit to contests and win rewards.

Students were encouraged to dress in ‘spirit wear,’ in which they were given clothing themes that reflected the movement against drugs. This year, Upper Perks themes reflected this idea with days like “Team Up Against Drugs” and “Say Boo to Drugs.” Along with this, the school’s cafeteria played a series of slides while the students ate lunch. 

While that may have been enjoyable, Ms. Hogland reminds us of the real importance of Red Ribbon Week and the importance of being careful with the things we consume and use. Students who watched the slides saw celebrities who had recovered from drug addiction, giving details on their struggles and the damages their drug use caused. 

Forty years after his death, the nation is still affected by the loss of Enrique Camarena. Although his name isn’t common, Red Ribbon Week is still celebrated by many as a week of mindfulness and living drug-free. Upper Perk would like to remind students to be mindful of the choices they make and to stay safe, healthy, and UP strong.