CALEXICO — The only school named after the fallen Drug Enforcement Agency agent who inspired Red Ribbon Week is making sure that its students get a feel for what the week is all about through a series of activities delivering a serious message in a fun way.
“Red Ribbon Week started here in Calexico and now Red Ribbon is celebrated nationally across the United States. That is because of an individual, someone who stood up to make a difference in life, to make sure our world was a safer place, and he died because of it,” Enrique Camarena Junior High School Principal Carlos Gonzales told students Wednesday.
“To know you go to the school that bears his name is an incredible honor. This was an individual with a lot of integrity, a lot of honor, a lot of bravery, and he stood up for what is right. When we think of him and think of our school, that’s what we need to do,” he said.
Camarena was murdered in 1985 by Mexican cartel members following undercover work he did in Mexico leading to large drug seizures.
“He grew up in Calexico just like you are growing up in Calexico right now,” Gonzales told students. “His roots are here in Calexico. As Enrique Camarena was growing up, he started making those choices of what he wanted to do in life. … He died because he was fighting to keep all of us safe.”
U.S. Border Patrol agents handed out the signature red ribbons to students at Enrique Camarena school Wednesday before students held them up and took a pledge to say no to drugs.
Gonzales also reminded the students that the red polos they wear are also a constant symbol of their pledge and a way to show everybody they don’t do drugs.
A special assembly Wednesday featured a visit from youth motivational entertainer Russ Peak, who interspersed important messages such as taking responsibility for one’s own action with fun “mind-reading” tricks.
An audience of alternately skeptical and enthralled students audibly gasped and giggled as Peak performed Wednesday.
“You don’t have to go through life trying to predict the future, you can invent it,” Peak told students.
“The best way to not get hooked on drugs is to not start.”
Excited students crowded around Peak after the special assembly, asking for autographs and even a few hugs.
“It was really cool,” eighth-grader Paola Sanchez said after the assembly. “It’s an important message because it shows people their future and not to choose drugs for their life.”
The school uniquely features a large colorful mural of Enrique Camarena’s face in one of its main thoroughfares, where students see it daily on their way to classes.
With Red Ribbon Week, many Enrique Camarena students now surely have a better understanding of their school’s namesake and the significance of his sacrifice.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com.
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