United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ST. LOUIS - The Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division takes the prize with two Regional Winners in the 2014, National Red Ribbon Photo Contest. The Larson Family in Gayville, South Dakota and the Clark family in Sigourney, Iowa both had the winning entries for this year’s theme “Love Yourself and Be Drug Free.”  This is the second win in a row for the Clark family, who says that they use the contest as a way to have family time focused around a positive message.
Ten winners, one from each region across the United States, were chosen by most number of votes during the voting (November 5-19th). Winners not only receive an iPad for their family, but also $1,000 for their local school to use for drug prevention efforts.

This year’s participants had to incorporate a Red Ribbon and the theme, “Love Yourself and Be Drug Free,” onto a front door, fence or mailbox. The National Red Ribbon Photo Contest is intended to involve families, neighborhoods, schools and communities in the Red Ribbon Week celebration. Red Ribbon week brings awareness to the community by focusing on being drug free and making good choices.

The Red Ribbon campaign was formed in order to honor the sacrifice made by fallen DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena and others who gave their lives enforcing the drug laws of the United States. The campaign was formalized in 1988 by Nancy Reagan and consists of an eight day celebration for students and members of the community to pledge to live a drug free life. The Red Ribbon Campaign is sponsored by the National Family Partnership.