The school week of October 22nd will be “Red Ribbon Week” at Trion Elementary School. Red Ribbon Week is a drug, alcohol, tobacco, and violence prevention program observed annually in October in thousands of American schools.

Students can show their commitment to living their best life by dressing up differently all week:

• Monday (10/22): “Peace and love, not drugs.” Dress in your favorite decades attire.
• Tuesday (10/23): “Sea your way out of drugs.” Dress in your Hawaiian/beach attire.
• Wednesday (10/24): “Friends don’t let friends do drugs.” Dress up with a friend or a group.
• Thursday (10/25): “I am too bright for drugs.” Dress in your bright/neon colors.
• Friday (10/26): “These paws don’t touch drugs.” Dress in your favorite Trion spirit gear.

Red Ribbon Week originated in Calexico, California in 1985 as a way for local citizens to recognize Calexico native and DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Camarena was murdered and tortured by members of the Mexican drug cartel for his work in uncovering a massive narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. Calexico residents wore red ribbons following his death in his honor.

“Camarena Clubs” were organized throughout California, and red ribbons quickly spread as a symbol of the War on Drugs. In 1988, Former First Lady Nancy Reagan helped activists organize the first nation-wide Red Ribbon Week, and participation by American schools became common during the Clinton years.