United States Drug Enforcement Administration

GRISWOLD, CONNECTICUT - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with the National Family Partnership announced the theme of the 2026 National Red Ribbon Campaign during an assembly at Griswold Middle School in Connecticut on Thursday, April 9, 2026.  The annual contest celebrates creativity, promotes drug-free lifestyles, and draws participation from students, families, and community members across nationwide. 

The 2026 theme is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.” 

This year’s top honoree is sixth grade student, Ava Tackett, of Griswold Middle School in Connecticut with the support and guidance of Health Teacher Kristen Butremavic.

Ava’s theme emphasized that positive choice of living a drug-free lifestyle as an act of leadership and courage, and emphasizes that everyday decisions can positively influence peers, families, and communities.  Ava’s theme was chosen among her peers for its clarity, empowerment, and strong focus on personal responsibility and peer influence. 

“We are incredibly impressed by the level of creativity and thoughtfulness in Ava’s submissions,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Her theme truly captures the essence of Red Ribbon Week and the message our agents and employees strive to share with our community every single day. She is an inspiration to all of us.”

“We are proud of Ava and her work because the theme Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free invites and encourages young people across America to become a hero and live a drug-free life,” said Peggy Sapp, National Family Partnerships.

“Drug free means not taking drugs and making an impact on others.  You can be a hero to other people by not using drugs and inspire them to choose a healthy lifestyle,” said Ava Tackett, sixth grade student at Griswold Middle School. “Heroes inspire others, just like Batman to Robin! This week can influence friends and family to not use drugs and get the help they need. Heroes help each other.”

"This is huge! Ava has made our entire GMS community so very proud,” said Kristen Butremovic, Griswold Middle School Health Teacher.  “Winning the National Red Ribbon Theme Contest is an incredible achievement, and her theme is helping spread the importance of living drug-free.  Ava is showing everyone that being drug-free is something to be proud of and will truly make a difference in schools across our nation." 

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest drug prevention campaign and was established to honor the legacy of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against drug trafficking in 1985. The Red Ribbon Campaign began when his friends and family wore the Red Ribbon to Kiki’s funeral. The National Campaign was established in 1987 by the National Family Partnership to serve as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in preventing substance misuse. For more information about upcoming events and how you can be involved with this year’s Red Ribbon Campaign you can visit www.dea.gov/redribbon. 

This is the 13th year of the Red Ribbon Theme Contest, which is held annually to encourage schools and students to be leaders in the Red Ribbon Campaign. The winning theme is prominently featured during Red Ribbon Week, which is held annually from   October 23 -31.  Submissions for the 2027 theme are accepted through December 4, 2026. Learn more at www.redribbon.org/theme/contest.