Rota school celebrates Red Ribbon Week

Students of the caucus from Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja celebrated Red Ribbon Week, a nationally recognized drug prevention campaign that serves as a way for schools and communities to educate and encourage students to embrace a drug-free life.

Red Ribbon Week was celebrated on Oct. 22- 31, 2010.

It originated in 1985, in honor of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena, who was tortured to death while doing an undercover investigation of a major drug cartel involving politicians and high-ranking government officials.

After his death, his friends launched Camarena Clubs, in which hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives in honor of his sacrifices. The red ribbons they wore became emblematic of the anti-drug campaign.

The inspiration behind the R.I.S.E. (Responsibility Increases Student Excellence) for Red Ribbon Week campaign was launched by the Pacific Regional Training Institute’s student caucus. The students of Hawaii, Japan, Guam, the Philippines, and Rota chose one of their prevention programs to sponsor the campaign to help educate students and the community.

The PRTI student caucus campaign slogan for Red Ribbon Week was “See the Future, Be the Future.” Students heard inspirational messages from successful community leaders in a variety of occupations. According to PRTI director Edward Maratita, Jr., “Our future leaders will soon be leading the campaign against drug-related activities. The PRTI student of the caucus is a stepping stone for students to play active role in the prevention of drugs with the assistance of professionals.”

“It’s time that students take part in the fight against drugs,” added PRTI Commander Jon Takamura.

As part of the Red Ribbon Week celebration, the PRTI kicked off one of their long awaited prevention program called B.R.A.V.E. (Bully Resistance And Victim Education). Various schools from the Department of Defense Educational Activity, Hawaii, Guam, Rota, Japan, and the Philippines availed of the pilot program.

Aside from the grants given to the various prevention programs, PRTI received its annual anonymous donation of $50,000 to continue its efforts in the drug and violence prevention. The institute is very grateful for the generous donation.

The PRTI and students of the caucus will like to extend their appreciation to all those who helped the R.I.S.E. for Red Ribbon Week campaign activities.[B][I] (PR)[/I][/B]