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Schools

Red Ribbon Week: Say No to Drugs and Alcohol

San Ramon Valley High School in Danville honors Red Ribbon Week.

The red ribbons around town unmistakably signal the beginning of Red Ribbon Week—a reminder to say no to drugs and alcohol.

Red Ribbon week also raises awareness about the need for early drug intervention and treatment services.

At San Ramon Valley High, students and staff continue to honor Enrique Camarena, the police officer who started Red Ribbon Week.

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Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, was working undercover in 1985 in Guadalajara, Mexico, when he was tortured and murdered.

He had discovered a multimillion-dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico, leading to the discovery of other drug production operations. Infuriated drug lords began to seek revenge and murdered key informants, including Camarena.

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His hometown of Calexico responded to this tragedy by wearing red ribbons. In 1988, Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally.

At San Ramon Valley High, we continue to spread awareness about drug abuse and alcohol prevention, with red ribbons around trees and poles and lunchtime activities this week.

Red Ribbon Week kicked off Monday with each student receiving a green and gold wristband reading— "Winners don't do drugs!" Red Ribbon Week organizers decided to go with bracelets so students could show their school spirit and also say no to drugs year round. Economics teacher Jeff Davis also spoke about preventing drug and alcohol abuse.

On Wednesday, juniors and seniors will attend an assembly about prescription drug abuse.

Posters with facts about drug and alcohol abuse are posted around school and each day new statistics will be presented. At the end of the week, teachers will quiz students about information discussed during Red Ribbon Week.

On Friday, the last day of Red Ribbon Week,  there will be a Halloween costume contest to "say boo to drugs."

Many students abuse drugs and alcohol without realizing the harm they're doing to their bodies. It is vital for students to be reminded, even for one week, about the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. 

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