Thomas County students at Cross Creek Elementary School wore costumes as a culmination of Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. The students who dressed in community heroes uniforms are pictured with School Resource Officer Darrell Colvin. Cross Creek’s faculty and staff appreciate Officer Colvin and the connections he makes with students. Pictured are Griffyn Logue, Jasper Pinkham, Wyatt Mullins, Gabriella McCart, Ivie Clapper, Dacey Williams, Kingston Colson, Ryan Mitchell, Chance Jackson, and Officer Colvin.   

Red Ribbon Week was started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was murdered 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.

In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary Chairpersons. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has taken on national significance, and NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Wearing red ribbons during the month of October continues to represent a pledge to live drug free and honors the sacrifice of all who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs.