One color, one tint. One simple shade affects the nation. Tied around gates, stuck on shirts, plastered across banners. One million ribbons fluttering in the wind, embodying a goal. A  goal inspiring many. One has affected a million.

Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was a member of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1985, he had been in Mexico tracking a drug cartel, which is a criminal group that deals out the illegal substances. The cartel was rumoured to have had members that were part of the Mexican government and army. But Camarena was caught. And one day when he left his office, he was brutally killed.

To remember Camarena’s honorable death, his congressman and friend started up a club. The members pledged to live a drug-free life, which began Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week helps raise awareness about his goal for drug prevention. It is observed across the nation to prevent people from making a terrible mistake that could ruin their life, or end it. Seventh graders Vivian T. and Divya N. like that they get to do fun, out of the ordinary things, as a way to participate in drug awareness.

For Red Ribbon Week, each day has a special theme that students can dress up to. Canyon Vista observes Drug Free Week this week, October 28th to November 2nd, with the following days:

• Monday- Hat Day
• Tuesday- Twinning Day
• Wednesday- Pajama Day
• Thursday- Costume Day
• Friday- Hipster Day

Red Ribbon Week has done a great job in educating students. “I hate that drugs put a false sense of happiness in your brains when you take it, while it actually does a whole lot of harm to your body,” said 7th grader Gauri P. Most of the people who do take drugs risk their lives because it tricks them into feeling calm. Physically it is ruining their body.

28 years ago, a dream did not die. A mission just began, continuing on from where it left off. A strong mission to protect people from the clutches of being the slaves of drugs. A mission pursuing on, starting from one, impacting millions.