Red Ribbon Week, which is celebrated annually October 23-31, is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. According to the United States DEA, Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention program.

This year’s theme is “Be Happy, Be Brave”, and Allen Elementary will be observing the week with a daily focus on “Making Great Choices.”

Monday the children will wear their pajamas and discuss “I can make wise choices and follow my dreams.”

Tuesday’s theme will be silly socks and hats with “From head to toe, I can take initiative to make healthy choices.

Wednesday kids are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero shirt for “Character is our superpower.”

Thursday, for “My future is so bright”, they will be dressed in neon or bright colors.

Friday, October 30 ^th , they will “Scare bad choices away” by wearing their favorite costume.

An alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign, Red Ribbon Week began as a tribute to fallen DEA special agent Enrique Camerena in 1985.

In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary Chairpersons. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has taken on national significance, and NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Wearing red ribbons during the month of October continues to represent our pledge to live drug free and honors the sacrifice of all who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs.