FORT RILEY, Kan. - Spirit days, military working dog demonstrations and costume parades were some of the ways students celebrated the life of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena during Red Ribbon Week Oct. 25 to 29.

Red Ribbon Week is dedicated to anti-drug messages in honor of Camarena, who lost his life in 1985, while working as a special agent in the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Throughout the week, participants wore red ribbons to show they are drug-free and to honor Camarena's life and pursuit of drug-trafficking criminals.

Schools across post participated in this weeklong event with anti-drug themed spirit days.

"Ware Elementary participated in Red Ribbon Week to promote an anti-drug message that all of the students could understand with themed days," said Valarie Lamoreaux-Reist, Family support coordinator at Ware Elementary School. "Red ribbon messages also tie nicely into the (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program that classes in third and fifth grade receive."

Fort Riley Elementary School participated in Red Ribbon Week because it is nationally recognized in public schools across America, said Melisa Burgess, student council coordinator at Fort Riley Elementary School.

"We wanted to bring awareness or reinstate the importance of staying drug free to all of our students and Families," she said.

Spirit Days at Ware Elementary School included themes like "Let Your True Colors Shine Drug Free," "Heroes are Drug Free" and "Follow Your Dreams - Don't Do Drugs Day." During these days, students and teachers wore their favorite colors - red, white and blue or patriotic clothing and pajamas.

Students at Jefferson Elementary School celebrated with spirit themes like "Team up Against Drugs," when students wore their favorite team, and on "Smarties" Day, students could wear hats. Custer Hill Elementary School added Wacky Hair Day as one of their spirit themes.

Military working dogs and handlers with the 97th Military Police Battalion conducted demonstrations at Fort Riley and Jefferson elementary schools. The dogs demonstrated how they are trained to detect drugs, as well as assist fellow two-legged officers with traffic stops and arrests.

Schools ended the week with Halloween-themed events and allowed students to wear their costumes to school. Students showed off their costumes with parades around the school and through adjoining neighborhoods. Classroom parties also were conducted at various schools.