WASHINGTON –
Observed annually during the last week of October, Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign, honoring Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed in 1985 while investigating a major drug cartel in Mexico. As part of the national Red Ribbon Week campaign, the District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program’s Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) team leads a drug-prevention presentation for students at Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy on Oct. 24, 2025.
Observed annually during the last week of October, Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign, honoring Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed in 1985 while investigating a major drug cartel in Mexico.
Following his death, students in Calexico, California, formed “Camarena Clubs,” pledging to live drug-free. The movement gained national attention and, in 1988, Congress established Red Ribbon Week as a yearly observance to raise awareness about drug prevention.
The DDRO team used this opportunity to engage students in open, honest conversations about substance misuse, reinforcing their commitment to combating drug abuse through education, awareness, and interactive prevention initiatives that empower youth to make healthy, informed choices.
“I appreciated the honest discussion the students were having about the substance misuse they see in their community,” said Staff Sgt. Belita Lynum, a DDRO civil operator. “Seeing students make pledges to be drug-free advocates in their community makes me proud to do this job.”
During the event, DDRO members shared the history of Red Ribbon Week and encouraged students to take part in this year’s campaign theme, “Life Is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.” The theme represents how each person’s choices are connected, forming a bigger picture, just like pieces of a puzzle coming together.
Students and faculty created a memorial wall inspired by the theme. Each student wrote their name on a red ribbon and a pledge card, which they displayed in the school hallway. The pledge encouraged students to grow up safe, healthy, and drug-free by understanding the dangers of drug use, respecting themselves, and spreading awareness within their families and communities.
“I enjoyed the presentation a lot,” said Brianna Smith, Student Resource Coordinator at Ballou STAY. “I was really excited to see the students engage and express themselves, talking about what they’ve seen in their communities and the impact of drugs. It was nice to see them articulate that so clearly.”
Smith added that she was confident the students who participated would become advocates and leaders in their neighborhoods, using what they learned to influence others in positive ways.
Located in Ward 8, Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy offers adult education and vocational training in an inclusive learning environment focused on academic success, personal development, and career readiness. The school’s motto, “Proper Preparation Promotes Productive Performance,” reflects its commitment to helping students achieve high-performance outcomes in every aspect of life.
Student Joshua Keeton said he appreciated the discussion-based format.
“I loved the presentation questions,” Keeton said. “They really made me think. I don’t get many chances to share my opinions about these things.”
Keeton, who has experienced homelessness in the past, said the event encouraged him to think deeper about the challenges youth face today.
“For young people, life can be overwhelming,” he said. “When you’re trying to find yourself, it’s easy to make choices that don’t help you grow. But any youth can be the one who chooses a drug-free path, that’s what I believe.”
This year’s theme served as a powerful reminder that every choice counts. Living drug-free helps build a stronger, brighter future, one piece at a time.