Schools in the Mountain View School District (MVSD) joined the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week, October 24-31, promoting the importance of living drug, tobacco and alcohol-free lives. Throughout the week-long celebration, students took part in a variety of school events encouraging them to be drug free including daily messages, assemblies, fun themed days and rallies.
Campuses were decorated with red ribbons and signs and throughout the week essay contests, poster contests, wear red days, and other activities promoting the 2022 Red Ribbon Week theme, Celebrate Life, Live Drug Free were held. Students recited the Drug Free Pledge and took part in fun dress up days like “Put a Cap on Drugs Day” wearing their favorite hats; “Lei Off Drugs” wearing Hawaiian leis; “Team Up Against Drugs” wearing their favorite team jersey; “I’m a Jean-ius” where blue jeans were the preferred clothing; “Sock it to Drugs Day” which encouraged students to show their commitment to being drug-free by wearing crazy socks; and “Shade Out Drugs Day” where students donned their sunglasses.
Created in 1985 as a response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, Red Ribbon Week honors Camarena's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, serving as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
The Duarte Elks Lodge and Azusa Emblem Club once again supported Red Ribbon Week by providing drug awareness coloring books and pamphlets for all MVSD students. Additionally, members of the El Monte Police Department visited each school site sharing the message of “Say No to Drugs!” The special assemblies featured motorcycle officers, police cars, police trucks and mounted patrol.
Addressing the students at the campus assemblies, School Resource Officer, Jonathan Islas reinforced the importance of staying away from drugs and people who do drugs.
“Officer Kiki Camarena gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting against drugs and every year in October we celebrate Red Ribbon Week to honor his memory, his fierce commitment to the fight against drugs and all the work he did to protect all of us,” said Officer Islas. “Like Kiki, you need to keep your minds and body healthy and make healthy choices so you can grow strong. Three ways to do that is to eat well, play well and sleep well,” he added.
Marbles, the beloved partner of Mounted Patrol Volunteer, Pat Cravy, helped reinforce the importance of staying away from drugs and any type of drug paraphernalia.
“Drugs can do serious harm to humans and animals. Marbles’ brain is a little bigger than a walnut so if he ingests even a small amount of drugs he could get really sick. I want you all to make sure you keep yourselves and my partner Marbles safe by never touching drugs or anything related to drugs,” said Cravy. “I want you to be very watchful and if you see anyone on drugs or anything that goes with drugs like needles, bottles or bags, don’t touch it. The best way to help is to tell a responsible adult like your parent, a police officer, a teacher, a pastor or coach.”
The police assemblies ended with students joining together to recite the Drug Free Pledge, promising to stay drug, alcohol and tobacco free.
“Our students really enjoy the Red Ribbon Week celebration and assemblies and we appreciate the police department taking the time to present at all of our schools,” said Dr. Raymond Andry, MVSD Superintendent. “Hearing from our officers who reinforce the importance of staying away from drugs really makes an impact on our kids. It also shows them that there are many caring adults in the community who care about them and their well-being and are here to support them.”