DARE graduates 76

Staff Reports

In a ceremony officiated by Principal Rommy Cronin, 76 students at the Pinon Hills Elementary School graduated Nov. 30 from the nationally acclaimed DARE program. The 10-week program was instructed by Douglas County Sheriff's Office Youth Services Officer Chris Griffith.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a cooperative effort between law enforcement, schools, parents and the community - all working together to help children make the right choices concerning non-use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs.

DARE lessons included providing students with accurate information and positive alternatives to drug, alcohol and tobacco use, teaching them good decision making skills, and educating them on how to recognize and resist peer pressure.

DARE teaches kids how to recognize and resist the direct and subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other drugs.

Students John Ketron, Hannah Olson and Emily Weiss received special recognition at the ceremony for writing inspiring anti-substance abuse drug essays as part of the program.

Since 75-80 percent of all crime has been shown to be directly or indirectly related to drug or alcohol use, it is vital to reach children at an early age through this program.

Sheriff Ron Pierini and members of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office are focused on combating illegal drug use in our community. The DARE program is a vital tool in that effort.