San Ramon students and staff participate in Red Ribbon Week
Photo Credit: Brynne Ichiuji
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November 7, 2011 • Selina Guevara, Staff Writer
Filed under News, Top Stories
Red Ribbon Week, from Oct. 24-28 this year, is an annual dedication to minimizing alcohol, tobacco, drug use and drug-induced violence all around the country.
Red Ribbon Week began in honor of Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, an undercover agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration who investigated illegal drug trades in Guadalajara, Mexico. He found out information that led to the discovery of a multi-million dollar narcotics factory in Chihuahua, Mexico. However, his discovery angered many drug cartels who got busted, and they kidnapped, tortured and brutally murdered Kiki.
The tradition of donning red ribbons to symbolize preventing the demand for illegal drugs started in his hometown after he died.This tradition has spread all over the United States and Mexico to raise awareness for drug abuse. The symbol of the red ribbon has expanded to include the prevention of many types of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other illegal and/or violence-inducing substances.
The students on San Ramon’s campus have been very involved this week in showing their support.
On Monday the entire student body received pins bearing the slogan “Above and Beyond Drugs!” Throughout the week and into the next month, students are still proudly wearing these pins on their shirts or backpacks.
On Tuesday the school had an assembly during A period with special guest speaker and San Ramon history teacher Jeff Davis who spoke about “why drugs are like Halloween”.
On Wednesday the entire campus wore red to honor Mr. Camarena and to show their support for prevention of drug abuse.
On Thursday, 400 San Ramon Student Ambassador (SRSA) members were crowded into the large gym for a special presentation about prescription drug abuse as a special part of Red Ribbon Week. Three guest speakers, Mrs. Rovero and two anonymous girls who have recently graduated high school, visited the group and put on a stellar presentation about abuse. Mrs. Rovero had a captivating story to tell about her son, Joey, an ordinary boy who knew all about drug abuse. He went off to college and roomed with boys who abused prescription drugs, and she told the story of how he tragically died from mixing alcohol and drugs. Her story was heartfelt and touching and had much of the audience in tears. The two girls told us their life stories, how they grew up surrounded by drugs and how they used drugs to cope with the pain of family and friend drama. Both of their lives were at risk at one point, but they have both made miraculous steps and are now sober and happy. The presentation was sponsored by the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse.
Hopefully the youth of today can continue to make good choices and practice abstinence towards drug abuse. Red Ribbon Week is a national annual event, and it is very important to educate the public about the terrors of abuse, but also to show people who are in danger that there is still hope and you help is available.
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