Falls Church City Public School officials announced this morning that Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School is participating in Red Ribbon Week starting today, which focuses on educating students about healthy choices, especially the choice to avoid drugs.
This event is in honor of DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed in 1985 by Mexican drug traffickers. To honor him, people in his hometown of Calexico, Calif. started Camarena Clubs that promoted drug-free lives. The concept spread to other states, and the U.S. Congress officially proclaimed Red Ribbon Week in 1988.
Today, Mary Ellen Henderson students wore red clothing to represent the start of History of Red Ribbon week, with apparel themes following through Friday. Tuesday will be themed “Stay in the Game, Be Drug Free” with students wearing clothing from their favorite teams, while Wednesday is “Don’t Just Wear Red, Go Green” day, inviting students to sport green outfits.
On Thursday, students will don their craziest socks for “Sock it to Drugs” day and Friday is themed “I’m a Jean-ius, I’m Drug-Free,” in which students are asked to show their spirit by throwing on their jeans.