PARIS — Red ribbons were distributed throughout the Oxford Hills Middle School on Wednesday to remind students there are “better things to do than drugs.”

“If we can get one kid off drugs it’s worth it,” said Cadet Senior Airman Avery Spear, an eighth-grader from Oxford. He helped pass out the ribbons as part of the mission of the Maine Wing of the Civil Air Patrol’s 77th Composite Squadron based in Lewiston. The ribbons stated, “Better things to do than drugs.”

Helping him were Cadet Airman Basic Joshua Grover, a seventh-grader from Norway, and Cadet Airman Basic Jeff Merrill, an eighth-grader from Waterford, also members of the squadron.

The Red Ribbon Campaign, the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the United States, was initiated after the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Agency agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena by drug traffickers in Mexico City. The campaign was later sponsored by the U.S. Air Force.

The Civil Air Patrol is the official search and rescue auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. It became involved in the program in 1994 as a way to improve the lives of service members’ families and children. The Maine Wing routinely performs counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

“If someone would do that (give his life to enforce drug laws), people ought to stay off drugs,” said Spear, who joined the 77th Composite Squadron this year.

The day began with a presentation of ribbons to staff during a ceremony that included Oxford Hills School District Assistant Superintendent Patrick Hartnett, Oxford Hills Middle School Principal Troy Eastman and Middle School guidance counselor Phil Libby. Libby advocated bringing the program into the schools.

Also attending was state Rep. Jim Hamper, a member of the legislative squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and 2nd Lt. Geoffrey Spear, the drug demand reduction officer for the 77th Composite Squadron.

Hamper presented a proclamation signed by Gov. John Baldacci proclaiming Oct. 23 to 31 as Red Ribbon Week in Maine.

Spear said the Red Ribbon Week would not be possible without the efforts of Libby to bring the cadet program to Oxford Hills Middle School for students wanting an alternative to athletics or other after-school activities.

“Not every kid is an athlete,” Libby said.

The cadets said they want to serve their country and help others live a better life.

The program is open to youths ages 12 to 19 and offers programs for adults.

DEA acting administrator Michele Leonhart kicked off the Red Ribbon Campaign last week at a ceremony in Arlington, Va., with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske.

“Red Ribbon Week is a time to remember those who have given everything in the fight against dangerous drugs, Leonhart is quoted in a statement from the DEA. “We wear the Red Ribbon in tribute to their courage, and to ensure that their sacrifice was not made in vain. We wear the Red Ribbon to symbolize our dedication to living healthy drug-free lives.”

ldixon@ sunjournal.com