Counselor’s Corner
Red Ribbon Week is being recognized in the Wolf Point Junior/Senior High School beginning Monday, the week of Oct. 26-29, with learning activities and the Red Ribbon Run. Northside and Southside elementary schools have a variety of activities scheduled for the week of Oct. 26-29.
The Story Behind the Symbol of Red Ribbon Week: Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference.
Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of it. 'I can't not do this,' he told her. 'I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference.'
The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.
Within weeks of his death in March 1985, Camarena’s Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, Calif., Camarena’s home. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. These coalitions began to wear red badges of satin, red ribbons, as a symbol Camarena's memory. The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs and coalitions.
Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena’s memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA’s efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs. They pay homage not only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation’s struggle against drug trafficking and abuse. 3 This story can be found at www.imdrugfree.com along with classroom exercises, Red Ribbon Week activities, parent resources, and other positive messages to support drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention efforts in school, home and community.
We thank the parents, staff and community members for your participation in supporting the efforts and the message of Red Ribbon Week by helping your children dress up for the theme days and sharing the drug-free message.
For further information about Red Ribbon Week, contact Wolf Point School District building counselors including Erin Loendeorf at WPHS, Myrle Zilkoski at WPJHS, Heidi Kent at the Northside School or Joelle Page at the Southside School.
