Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

'Mission Possible' Slogan Set For Red Ribbon Week

"Mission Possible: Drug Free communities."

Seems impossible? Not in the view of Arkansans for Drug-Free Youth, who have adopted that slogan for the Red Ribbon Celebration October 25-31.

More than 795,000 Arkansans participated in Red Ribbon week last year, and focused on helping youth to stay drug-free.

The observance began in 1985 as a tribute to Enrique Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico. He had spent his life dedicated to makeing a visible effort to eradicate illegal drugs from communities.

His death triggered anger in parents across the country as they began wearing red ribbons to raise awareness about the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. In the words of promoters, "The Red Ribbon is worn to symbolize Enrique's belief that one person can make a difference and that together we can give the greatest gift to the future: drug-free youth."

Kicking off the state observance will be a Red Ribbon parade, rally and picnic on October 22 in Little Rock with the Jennings Osborne Family providing the picnic.

Paula Cossey, Prescott High School counsleor, and Joyce Gibson, FHA adviser, helped coordinate activities for PHS students and school personnel for October 27-31.

The planned events are: Monday (27), Red Ribbon Day; Tuesday (28), Wear "Red Day and "Bookmark Day."; Wednesday (29), "Pledge Day" and "I Can Be Anything I Want To Be" pencils; Thursday (30), Force of the Future "Button Day"; and Friday (31), "Tattoo Day" and "Put a `cap' on Drugs Day."

There will be a drawing at the pep rally for door prizes.

Full details of each day's activities will be given to teachers and students.

"Red Ribbon Week is a focus which deserves the complete support of the community," Gibson said. "All businesses, industries, organizations and parents are encouraged to disploay drug-free ribbons, banners and materials to support this effort."