With the wide variety of eccentric outfits worn by students and the bombastic energy that came from a parade, an uninformed bystander might assume that they were transported back to this year’s Homecoming celebrations. They really can’t be faulted for that, though. After all, Cadet Nation went all out with their participation in the 2023 National Red Ribbon Week.
Since its establishment in 1988, the event has become a staple for schools throughout the nation as they work to educate their students on the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle.
“Red Ribbon Week gives the counselors throughout the district an excellent chance to create awareness about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse, an important component of our guidance curriculum,” CHS lead counselor Andrea Clifton said. “This gives us an opportunity to build a sense of community and school spirit while tackling some hard-hitting issues that our students might face.”
Red Ribbon Week was established in honor of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. In 1985, Special Agent Camarena was brutally murdered by drug traffickers that he was investigating in Mexico. After his death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice.
“Kiki’s death really represents a pivotal moment in the history of the DEA. It really put focus on the dangers and significance of the war on drugs. To me, Kiki truly is a hero,” CHS math teacher Sara Sulak said. Sulak’s father was a friend and coworker of Kiki’s at the DEA.
Throughout the week, students participated in a wide variety of themed dress up days to encourage them to live drug free lifestyles. This week’s events weren’t all fun and games, however. The CISD Police Department worked to provide educational sessions to students about the serious dangers that drugs pose to their health.
“As law enforcement officers, we see the horrific impact that drugs have on individuals and the people around them on an almost daily basis,” CISD Police Chief Shanna Sanders said. “Taking a moment to talk very frankly with our students about these negative effects can be very sobering for them. It provides a reality check that shows them that these substances aren’t the fun and games that party culture makes it seem like.”
One of the highlights of the festivities came in the form of the annual Red Ribbon Week Parade. Students from the elementary school were given the opportunity to march down Cadet Way with homemade signs encouraging their peers to be drug free. They were joined by members of various high school and junior high clubs and organizations to help get the excitement pumped up.
“I remember doing the Red Ribbon Week parade when I was younger and thinking how cool it was to see all of the older kids help us out,” CHS senior and PAL Tony Horton said. “It was really cool to be on the other end of that this time - now I’m the older kid. This is a good tradition because it really lets us think about everyone that came before us and who’s coming up to take our spot.”
The parade is of particular fun for students enrolled at the Early Childhood Center, who eagerly lined up on the edge of the street to get in on the action.
“Our kids always love having the opportunity to see and interact with the older kids,” Early Childhood Principal Christy Bowling said. “The parade is exciting for them not only because it’s fun, but because it gives them a chance to see some really good behavior and healthy choices be modeled.”
A short burst of rain forced the parade route to be shortened a bit, but in spite of any weather related challenges, the students seemed to have a good time.
“The parade is an awesome tradition here at Connally,” elementary school counselor Julie Rex said. “My goal is to try to include as many kids and campuses as possible in it. We got rained out last year, so I am so thankful that we were able to push forward and have it go off again. The kids had such a great time!”
As the 2023 Red Ribbon Week festivities wind down, students are leaving feeling empowered to make healthy decisions.
“Red Ribbon Week was a lot of fun,” fifth grade student Da’Sia Turner said. “I loved seeing all the cheerleaders at the parade and being a part of everything.”