Among the few things students actually look forward to in school is the infamous Red Ribbon Week. It becomes almost a competition as to who can dress in the most creative and astounding way to fit the daily theme, and at times it seems the concept behind the spirit-filled week is lost somewhere in the insanity.

Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was a Drug Enforcement Administration agent that was sent in 1985 to investigate a major drug cartel in Mexico believed to include officers of the Mexican army, police and government. In February of that year, Camarena was abducted by five men that shoved him into their vehicle and sped away. His body was found one month later, and the autopsy revealed that he had been tortured to death.

Camarena’s family, friends and neighbors began to wear red satin badges in honor of the man’s battle against illegal drugs. Groups against the destruction of alcohol and drug abuse adopted Camarena’s story as their guiding light, and embraced the concept that one person can make a difference in the world. The symbol of the red ribbon became widely known as a symbol of that philosophy.

Today, the National Red Ribbon Campaign is celebrated by millions of U.S. children and families in schools across America. The idea behind the week is to raise awareness and “kick off to a year of prevention in our schools and in our communities,” as the website redribboncoalition.com proclaims.

So while you are lounging comfortably in your pajama pants or fearlessly striding down the hall with underwear over your tights for superhero day, take a moment to think about “the reason for the season.” It’s not just to impress your friends with your incredible costume-creating ability.