Be Kind to Your Mind - Say No to Drugs was the theme for Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, and was the focus throughout Mountain View School District’s eight schools and preschool programs as students pledged to live drug, tobacco, vape and alcohol-free lives during the annual Red Ribbon Week celebration.

Along with fun dress up days and activities promoting drug prevention, the El Monte Police Department presented a Red Ribbon Week assembly at each school honoring the memory of Officer Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and his commitment to the fight against drugs.  The officers, including motorcycle and mounted patrol encouraged students to follow Kiki’s example of being healthy and staying away from drugs, tobacco, vaping and alcohol.

Addressing the students at the campus assemblies, School Resource Officer, Jonathan Islas reinforced the importance of staying away from drugs and people who do drugs.

“Officer Kiki Camarena gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting against drugs and every year during Red Ribbon Week we honor his memory, his fierce commitment to the fight against drugs and all the work he did to protect us,” said Officer Islas.   “Like Kiki, you need to keep your minds and body healthy and make healthy choices so you can grow strong,” he added.  

Each assembly ended with students joining together to recite the Drug Free Pledge, promising to stay drug, alcohol, vape and tobacco free.

Red ribbons, flags and signs adorned the campuses and throughout the week students took part in essay and poster contests and themed dress up days like “Put a Cap on Drugs Day” wearing their favorite hats; “Team Up Against Drugs” wearing their favorite team jersey; “Wild to be Drug Free” sporting crazy hair styles; “Sock it to Drugs Day” which encouraged students to show their commitment to being drug-free by wearing crazy socks; and “Shade Out Drugs Day” where students donned their sunglasses.

Drug awareness coloring books, pamphlets and bookmarks for all MVSD students were provided by the Duarte Elks Lodge and Azusa Emblem Club.

“Red Ribbon Week provides a great opportunity to for parents, teachers, staff, students, and community members to raise awareness of the importance of drug prevention,” said Dr. Raymond Andry, Superintendent.  “Our schools do a wonderful job coordinating Red Ribbon Week events that positively impact our students and the week-long celebration unites us in promoting drug free schools, a drug free community and a culture of kindness to our minds and bodies to create brighter, healthier futures.”