La Feria ISD Celebrates Red Ribbon Week

Updated: November 8, 2024

By Mike Villarreal

During the week of October 23 to 31, the schools within the La Feria Independent School District proudly participated in Red Ribbon Week, an initiative aimed at promoting drug-free lifestyles among students. This year’s theme was ” Life Is a Movie. Film Drug-Free “. Each day of the week featured a unique dress-up theme, allowing students to express themselves while reinforcing the message of healthy choices.

Many students donned vibrant red attire to symbolize their commitment to a drug-free life. The following days included a favorite character day, where students showcased beloved characters from books, movies, and TV shows. Pajama Day allowed everyone to come to school in their coziest sleepwear, fostering a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Each school held its own dress-up days.

Sports Day was another day that some students celebrated. It encouraged students to wear jerseys or attire representing their favorite teams, highlighting the importance of teamwork and physical activity. Crazy Hair Day saw some creative and wild hairstyles, adding an element of fun and excitement to the week. On October 31, students eagerly dressed up in costumes, celebrating Halloween while keeping the spirit of Red Ribbon Week alive.

Overall, this vibrant week was a celebration of creativity and fun and a powerful reminder of the importance of making positive life choices.

Red Ribbon Week was established in 1988 by the National Family Partnership, with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons. This event is held annually from October 23 to October 31 to promote a zero-tolerance stance against drugs in our communities, workplaces, and schools. Each year, over 70 million people demonstrate their commitment to a safe, healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying a red ribbon.

Red Ribbon Week was established in response to the tragic death of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” S. Camarena, who drug traffickers killed in Mexico. Camarena was born on July 26, 1947, in Mexicali, Mexico, and graduated from Calexico High School in Calexico, California, in 1966.

In 1968, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for two years. After his military service, he worked as a Calexico police officer and fireman and ultimately served as an Imperial County Sheriff.

Kiki Camarena joined the DEA in 1974, beginning his career as a special agent in Calexico, California. After three years, he was transferred to the Fresno district office. Four years later, in 1981, he received orders to move to Mexico to work at the Guadalajara resident office. Unfortunately, on February 7, 1985, before he could dismantle the drug traffickers’ operation, he was kidnapped and murdered.

During his 11 years with the DEA, Kiki received two Sustained Superior Performance Awards, a Special Achievement Award, and, posthumously, the Administrator’s Award of Honor, the highest honor given by the DEA.

After Camarena’s death, Congressman Duncan Hunter, along with a high school friend, Henry Lozano, started the Camarena Club in Calexico, California, Kiki’s hometown. Club members wore red ribbons to show their commitment to leading drug-free lives in honor of Camarena and others who lost their lives in the fight against drugs.

The momentum for Red Ribbon Week spread across California and the United States. In 1985, club members presented the “Camarena Club Proclamation” to then-First Lady Nancy Reagan, bringing national attention to the movement.

As a result, parent groups in California, Illinois, and Virginia began promoting the nationwide wearing of red ribbons in late October. The National Family Partnership, with President Reagan and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons, formalized the Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988.

From October 23 to 31 each year, more than 70 million people show their commitment to living drug-free lives by displaying or wearing a red ribbon.
Photos from La Feria ISD Facebook page