Last week was a very busy week for students at Bucknell Elementary School as they participated in Red Ribbon Week. This specially designated week, which is always the last week in October, is an event that has become a national symbol of drug prevention. Begun as a grassroots tribute to a fallen DEA hero, Special Agent Enrique Camarena, the National Red Ribbon Campaign was sparked by the murder of Camarena by drug traffickers.
Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, friends formed clubs and pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. From these clubs emerged the Red Ribbon Week Campaign.
Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarenaís memory and further the cause for which he gave his life.
AT BUCKNELL, the activities began on Monday when students received their Red Ribbon, and continued throughout the week. On Tuesday, the students were allowed to bring their favorite stuffed animal to school for "Give a Bear Hug Not Drugs Day."
Wednesday, the students wore their favorite sports team shirts and jerseys to participate in "We Have Better Things To Do Than Drugs Day."
Thursday really brought out the red in not only the students, but the teachers as well. They wore red pants, red shirts, red sweaters and even red socks. In the afternoon, the classes took turns going outside to tie a red ribbon on one of the trees. The week ended with a storybook character parade with students dressing up as their favorite storybook characters.