Victory Life Academy students enjoyed visits from two top Brown County law enforcement officers during Red Ribbon Week, celebrated locally October 24-28.  Early Police Chief David Mercer spoke to VLA students Monday and Brownwood Chief of Police Terry Nichols spoke on Thursday.

The school welcomed a different guest speaker each day this week.  This year’s theme for Red Ribbon Week was “YOLO (You Only Live Once).  Be Drug Free!”

National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a leadership role in drug prevention. Nancy Reagan was an Honorary Chair of NFP. Since its founding thirty years ago, NFP has devoted its efforts to the well-being of youth. Today, NFP is a national leader in drug prevention education & advocacy. Their mission is to lead and support the nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug free youth.

NFP provides drug awareness by sponsoring the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign™. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America. In 1988, NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

Pictured above is EPD Chief Mercer during his visit with VLA students on Monday.  Pictured below:  BPD Chief Nichols speaks to students on Thursday.  Photos contributed.