Enrique S. Camarena Award - Materials & Resources

Understanding the Enrique S. Camarena Award

The Enrique S. Camarena Award is the highest honor in the Elks Drug Awareness Program, named for the DEA agent whose sacrifice inspired Red Ribbon Week. Understanding this award helps you nominate deserving individuals and appreciate DAP's highest recognition.

Who Was Enrique Camarena?

Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was a DEA special agent working in Mexico:

Dedicated his career to fighting drug trafficking
Kidnapped and murdered by drug cartel members in 1985
His death galvanized the nation against drug abuse
Red Ribbon Week was created in his memory

The Camarena Award honors his legacy by recognizing outstanding drug prevention efforts.

Award Criteria

The Camarena Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to drug prevention:

Sustained commitment: Years of dedicated service
Measurable impact: Documented results and reach
Innovation: Creative approaches to prevention
Leadership: Inspiring and developing others
Community recognition: Acknowledgment beyond Elks

Nomination Process

Identify a deserving candidate
Gather documentation of their achievements
Complete the nomination form (available from your State Chair)
Include supporting letters and evidence
Submit by the deadline (check with State Chair)

Building a Strong Nomination

What to Include

Specific numbers: presentations, students reached, years of service
Stories that illustrate impact
Letters from schools, partners, community members
Evidence of leadership and mentorship

What Makes a Nomination Stand Out

Concrete achievements, not just descriptions of role
Impact beyond their own lodge or state
Innovations that others have adopted
Personal sacrifices made for the program

Award Presentation

Camarena Award recipients are typically recognized:

At state or national Elks conventions
With a plaque or trophy
Through national DAP communications
As ambassadors for the program going forward

Honoring the Legacy

When you nominate someone for this award, you connect them to Kiki Camarena's legacy of courage and sacrifice. Choose nominees who truly embody that spirit.