Never Let Go Ministries, went to St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Bryan on Wednesday, October 23rd, to give a presentation to the 4th, 5th, & 6th graders, for Red Ribbon Week.
RRW was started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was brutally murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. After his death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor Kiki’s sacrifice. He was 37 at the time of his death, and left behind his wife, Mika, and three children.
Red Ribbon Week is the largest program of its kind in the nation, encouraging students to pursue healthy, drug-free lives.
It was started soon after Kiki’s death, and was officially established in 1988 by the National Family Partnership, and was formally chaired by President Ronald Reagan and the first lady, Nancy Reagan.
The eight-day event for RRW runs from October 23rd through October 31st each year. Our nation prompts our schools to organize youth forums, health lessons, spirit day events, and other activities that will encourage our students to remain drug free, which will enable them to live a happier and healthier life.
Mary Juarez shared her son’s story of his addiction, which started when he began drinking as a teen. That first night of drinking eventually led to experimenting with marijuana, which eventually progressed into addiction with other substances.
Marjoe lost his life in 2010 from an overdose of prescription pills. Victor also shared with the students some valuable information about the dangers of using alcohol and drugs.
Annette Williams went with Victor and Mary to also share some of her story of addiction. She shared with them the consequences she suffered because of her choice to drink at an early age with older friends. It led her down a dark path for years.
Each student was given a NLG bag which contained several items to remember Red Ribbon Week and its meaning. Some of the items included a drug free activity book, pen, sticker, water bottle, (pledging to be drug free), among many other items.
Door prizes of NLG t-shirts, NLG blankets, and devotionals were also given. The teachers received a bag with educational material about alcohol and drug use and the signs to look for in our youth.
Pictured are the 4th, 5th, & 6th grade students of St. Patrick’s School, along with teachers Mrs. Shaffer 6th grade, Mrs. Koenig, Principal, Mary & Victor Juarez and Annette Williams of NLG, Mrs. Leitch, 5th grade. Missing from the picture is Mrs. McDonagh 4th grade teacher.
