Staff and students observed Red Ribbon Week Oct. 26-30, the oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program in the country.
Each day had a theme to send a message of support by how staff and students dressed.
It went like this:
- October 26: "We are red hot to keep our school drug free" (Everyone wears red)
- October 27: "Team up against drugs" (Wear your favorite team jersey or shirt)
- October 28: "Drugs can't find me" (Wear camouflage)
- October 29: "Drugs don't mess with Texas" (Wear your best western attire)
- October 30: "Be a Superhero and say 'Kapow' to drugs" (Wear your superhero attire/costume)
Red Ribbon Week was started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was killed by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. As a tribute to SA Camarena, high school friend, Henry Lozano and Congressman Duncan Hunter, created “Camarena Clubs” and the wearing of a red ribbon to show their oppositions to drugs.
On previous occasions, Houston police officers have visited The Varnett Public School to urge students to stay away from drugs and to emphasize the consequences if they get caught messing with drugs.
For more information on Red Ribbon Week and how to commemorate it, click here.
Thanks to everybody who participated and please spread the word!
Photos by Ms. Yolanda Valadez, campus parent liaison