Red Ribbon Week originated after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. In Agent Camarena's home town, Calexico, CA, the public outpouring of support grew into an organized community response in which citizens wore red ribbons. They became a voice for prevention in order to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and illegal use of legal drugs in America. The following year, the California State PTA adopted the Red Ribbon Week campaign. Then, in 1988, Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as the first Honorary Chairs. Today, Red Ribbon Week brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.
Fairmont will be celebrating the 2011 theme "it's up to me to be drug free" across campuses the weeks of October 17th and October 24th. At Mable, each classroom sends a volunteer to participate in the annual hanging of the giant red ribbon around the campus' iconic fig tree. First through fourth graders will also be decorating the doors of their classrooms in a red ribbon theme. Students at Edgewood will be wearing special Red Ribbon Week wristbands and dressing in red on Friday in honor of Red Ribbon week. At the Anaheim Hills campus, there will be themed free dress days throughout the week including "Sock it to drugs" day on Friday where everyone is encouraged to wear their craziest pair of socks. Students will also be decorating the campus with red ribbons, making classroom “anti-drug” posters, and signing anti-drug pledges.
Contributed by Danyelle
