Left to right: Students Marcus Ratcliff, Patricia Thomas, Kenneth Hannah, Timothy Erhardt, Counselor Patricia Alberty and student Donald Jones, crouching.

Joliet Job Corps Center students recently heard the tragic story of Enrique Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent who was based in Mexico 30 years ago.

While trying to educate young people about the dangers of drugs, Enrique was tortured and killed in 1985 by drug traffickers. To honor his memory, friends and neighbors began to wear red ribbons after his death.

In 1988, the National Family Partnership sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. The Red Ribbon helps mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

The Joliet Job Corps Center students came together this week to remember a courageous young man and to support Red Ribbon Week. As part of the program given by Counselor Patricia Alberty, the students wore their own red ribbons to honor the man committed to making a difference in the lives of young people.