David E. Owens Middle School Kicks Off Red Ribbon Week

David E. Owens Middle School Principal Whitney Perro announced that today is the kick-off to Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week is the largest drug prevention campaign in the United States and was initiated after the death of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena who was brutally murdered while working undercover in Mexico in 1985.

Agent Camarena's undercover efforts led to the discovery of a multibillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Mexico. His findings resulted in the revenge killings of key informants by several Mexican drug cartels, and ultimately led to his kidnapping and brutal murder. 

In seeking information about the kidnapping and murder of Agent Camarena, the DEA was met with resistance from Mexican law enforcement, as well as the the Mexican government itself.

As information began to unravel the details of Camarena's murder, the sinister world of drug trafficking was fully exposed. Revealed was just how far the cartels would go to protect and retain their position of power in controlling the trafficking of drugs. Also revealed was their pervasive stronghold; a stronghold that infiltrated all levels of law enforcement and whose reach extended to the highest offices of the Mexican government. 

In his hometown of Calexico, CA, the public response to Agent Camarena's murder resulted in the community wearing red ribbons to protest the proliferation and demand for illegal drugs, and the rise of illegal drug use in America. The red ribbons symbolized a pledge by all who wore them to lead a drug-free life.

In 1986 the California State PTA adopted the Red Ribbon Week campaign. In 1988, Red Ribbon Week was officially recognized as a national event with President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as the first Honorary Chairs. 

Red Ribbon Week is recognized in all schools as a way to raise awareness about alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse and associated violence. It stresses the need for prevention, early intervention and treatment services. Red Ribbon Week is the most visible annual prevention awareness campaign in the United States. 

This week the students and staff of DEOMS will be recognizing Red Ribbon Week with these daily events:

Monday: Everyone wear red day

Tuesday: Wear your favorite team jersey

Wednesday: Wear sweatpants, sweatshirts or sweatbands

Thursday: Crazy hair day

Friday: Wear clothes inside out day