DARE graduates equipped with special skills

SUMMERFORD -

On May 12 Grade 6 students at New World Island Academy graduated from the DARE (Drug, Alcohol, Resistance Education) program.

The program has been around for 30 years. It was first developed by a police officer in the United States who had drug problems within his own family. Later it was adopted by the RCMP and is offered by the RCMP in schools across Canada to teach students about drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, tobacco, alcohol and over the counter medication as well as alcohol. DARE also teaches kids the tools and techniques they will need to deal with peer pressure and ways to say no to dangerous substances. Some of the DARE program also deals with bullying, how to stand up to a bully and how to not be a bully. The program teaches young people to be the master of their own bodies and to respect themselves. This philosophy is expressed through the DARE mascot named Daren, which is a stuffed lion who is not only the king of the jungle, but king of himself.

The program duration is ten weeks. During that time the students completed a workbook. At the end of this workbook the class made a list of fun things they can do that do not include drugs, tobacco and alcohol. The students were also asked to compile everything that they had learned from the program into an essay.

During the graduation celebration, Chantelle Burt was awarded with top honours for her essay. She and a number of other students were chosen to read the essays to the class, with each essay emphasizing the importance of abstaining from drug use. These students were also given a small award for their exceptional work. Afterwards, program instructor Corporal Anne Noel drew numbers and the remaining students were awarded small prizes such as basketballs, water bottles and volleyballs.

Summerford Mayor Clayton Ledrew addressed the group and reminded them to not waste the knowledge they have gained over the past 10 weeks. He encouraged them to remember this for the rest of their lives so that they can grow to be responsible adults.

The students were presented with certificates of completion as well as card for their wallets or pockets that will remind them of this program and the ways to say no to drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

Following this, the students were treated to pizza and cake in the library to celebrate their completion of this important program.