HOPE – A tradition in public schools across the nation established to honor a fallen law enforcement officer continues in the Hope Public Schools this week.
Red Ribbon Week was created to commemorate the life and bravery of fallen Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique Camarena who was murdered by drug cartel operatives in 1985. The Red Ribbon worn and celebrated across the nation serves as a focal point for drug prevention education in local schools in the annual campaign directed by the National Family Partnership.
“Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” is the theme for the 2020 Red Ribbon Week observance, with students in the Hope Public Schools recognizing the idea in different ways on each of the district’s campuses.
Clinton Primary School students began the week wearing red to show they were “Proud to be Drug Free” on Monday; on Tuesday, sweats were the dress of the day for “Being Drug Free is No Sweat”; Wednesday is “These Paws Don’t Touch Drugs” featuring animal-themed shirts; and Thursday is Halloween mask-themed with “Drugs are Scary.”
Red Ribbon week is observed nationally Oct. 26-31 but Hope Public Schools students were not on campus Friday, which was a “virtual day” on the school calendar.