Not many people know the true meaning behind Red Ribbon Week.  Red Ribbon Week started after the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena passed away.  He was murdered by drug traffickers while investigating in Mexico.  To honor him, the people of California, his home state, began local celebrations in 1985.  The “National Family Partnership” started its first National Red Ribbon Week in 1988, and still continues the tradition today.  Red ribbons were chosen to be an opposition towards drugs.  Every year, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated from October 23rd to the 31st.  It represents, “the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness campaign” according to the DEA.

Every year at NAHS, we dedicate the week to spread awareness about the negatives of drug use and how to stay drug free.  We celebrate by doing little events that everyone can be involved in.  For example, every year the SADD/Interact Club holds a schoolwide contest where students and teachers can decorate a door at school based on a theme.  This year’s theme was “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free!”.  Due to the circumstances with COVID-19, the participants had to enter pictures of their home decorated doors as individuals.  Students had to use a door in their homes, while staff were able to do it at school since they were there.  The winners of the contest each received a $25 Amazon gift card.  The two winners were Ms. Bond with the title of, “Be A Leader of the Pac and Stay Away From Drugs”, and Katia Santos with the title of, “Be Brave and Don’t Let Drugs Be An Imposter Among Us”.