Red Ribbon got it's start in 1985 when a Drug Enforcement agent named Enrique Camarena was kidnapped and murdered by drug traffickers because he continued to attempt to break up a drug cartel. Within a few weeks of his death, a Congressman and a friend began "drug-free" clubs in Imperial Valley, California. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the man's life and others who have died because of drugs. Since 1986 family and friends started wearing red ribbons. And so, Red Ribbon Week began. At West Middle School we honor Red Ribbon the month of October, which is Red Ribbon Month, and the during the last week of the month, activities are in full swing. Campus activities have included: Posters for campus decoration, a poster contest among the art students, a school wide poster contest, a school-wide essay contest, a door decorating contest, a button contest, red wristbands for each campus member, West TV themed shorts, spots and video clips, a "Red Ribbon Wrap" song, student incentives for participation, a "red" dance, an assembly which has included the school band, cheer squad, drama and a creative student group, red food offered by the cafeteria and the dedication of student leadership groups on a Saturday to decorate the campus for Red Ribbon Week. District wide, Red Ribbon is generously sponsored by 24 Hour Prudential Realty who provide a reception for the poster and essay contest winners, wristbands for all campus members, and a decorative banner for the front of the school. The financial support for the activities on campus, particularly the funds for the student incentives are generously given by our own PTA.