Students wear ribbons, pledge drug-free lives

Christine June
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern

National Red Ribbon Week is celebrated Oct. 24 to 28 to encourage
parents, children and communities to take a visible stand against
drugs, alcohol and tobacco use and abuse.     

The Red Ribbon campaign started when drug traffickers in Mexico City
murdered Kiki Camarena, an undercover drug enforcement officer, in
1985. In his memory, friends began wearing red badges as a symbol of
his belief that one person can make a difference.

Several Red Ribbon events will be held at KMC middle and high schools
sponsored by the schools Adolescent Substance Abuse Counseling Service
counselors.

Kaiserslautern American Middle School
Monday: Daily drug quizzes for prizes and a poster contest start.
Tuesday: “Wear Red Day” and cake-cutting ceremony at the Vogelweh Commissary.
Wednesday: Signing pledges to remain drug free.
Thursday: “Turn Your Back On Drugs Day,” students and staff will wear their shirts backwards.
Friday: “Athletes Against Drugs Day” and poster contest winners announced.

Kaiserslautern American High School
Monday: Read drug facts over the intercom and announcements of the
anti-drug poetry and rap contest rules and guidelines (one winner per
grade).
Theme Day “Drugs Suck,” students bring a pacifier or baby bottle.
Tuesday: “Drugs Hurt,” students wear a visible band-aid or bandages.
Wednesday: Reading of drug facts over the intercom during announcements.
Theme Day – “I Can See being Drug Free,” students wear sunglasses and receive a ribbon or gift from ASACS.
Thursday: “Better Red than Dead,” students wear red in support of Red Ribbon Week and receive a ribbon or gift from ASACS.
Friday: “Drugs Are Scary,” students wear a Halloween costume and receive a ribbon or gift from ASACS.