THE NAME BEHIND THE RED RIBBON

Students Celebrate Being Drug-Free, Honor The One Who Gave All To The Cause

Schools across the area are celebrating Red Ribbon Week, a week-long
awareness celebration to warn students of the risks of drugs, alcohol and
tobacco.

Many students don't know the significance of the red ribbons pinned to
their clothes for a week each October. Teachers around the country during
Red Ribbon Week might tell students the story of Enrique S. Camarena, a
decorated special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, who was
killed trying to rid the country of illegal drugs. The 37-year-old father
of three from California was kidnapped and tortured by drug traffickers in
1985.

"All during the school year we talk with students about being drug and
alcohol free. This is a time when we can make that a major focus," said
Amber Graham Fitzgerald, school/community relations director for Enid
Public Schools. "It also gives us an opportunity to talk about fun, healthy
and safe alternatives such as school activities and after-school programs."

Most school administrators have handed out the red ribbons, worn to signify
awareness of the dangers of drugs.

Monroe Elementary mapped out the school's plan early, sending home
information to students about importance of being safe, healthy and drug free.

"Getting the parents involved is the key to everything," Monroe Principal
Helen Smith said. "Once a parent is involved and supporting what is being
taught in the schools, students see the importance of it as well."

Monroe students were sent home with a booklet, "10 Steps to Help Your Child
Say No," provided by PTA members. Each day, students participated in themed
events, including "It's no sweat to stay off Drugs" on Tuesday" and "Team
up to rule out drugs" on Thursday.

Enid police and Garfield County sheriff's departments' canine units visited
schools, and handlers explained how they use the dogs to fight drugs.

Elementary school students around the county participated in various
contests and made banners promoting drug-free activities. Other schools
designed posters and wrote essays or poems.

Some Enid elementary and junior high schools assign catchy phrases each day
to help celebrate students being drug free.

Other schools will celebrate the week decorating with posters and signs, as
well as with special drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention awareness programs.

Pleasant Vale Elementary students kicked off their celebration Monday by
releasing red balloons. Ronald McDonald spoke to students Tuesday, and
other events and contests continued throughout the week.

Each October, thousands of schools, communities and state and local drug
abuse prevention organizations distribute red ribbons to honor Camarena's
memory. Red Ribbon Week has become a symbol of drug prevention, but it
began as a tribute to Camarena.