Pubdate: Sat, 31 May 2003
Source: Sanford Herald, The (NC)
Copyright: The Sanford Herald 2003
Contact:  http://www.sanfordherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1577
Author: Taylar Ingersoll

DARE PROGRAM HELPS KEEP KIDS DRUG-FREE

Are you drug-free? I am, and you should be also. DARE is a great program. 
It teaches you that your future is important, and dreams can come true when 
you stay drug-free and avoid violence.

When I first started DARE I was a little afraid when Sgt. Rodriguez spoke 
to us about drugs. It made me wonder, "Will I do these things I should not 
do?" "Can I avoid them?" Well, when kids came to talk to us about how they 
stay drug-free it made me feel more confident and comfortable. If they can 
do it, then so can I.

When you don't pay attention you can use drugs when you get older and kids 
start putting pressure on you to do bad things that you know you should not 
do. Peer pressure is a force or influence that acts on you to do something. 
You can avoid this by: saying no, don't associate with those who use drugs, 
don't use bad behavior, don't use poor judgment, and stay away from any 
place that may have drugs inside.

It is important to stay drug-free because you can get a job and have a 
better future. You will also have a healthier body, better friends and 
because if you do drugs you can become addicted. That can cause you to 
steal, lie and ruin your life for the future.

By learning these things I have come a long way. Someday I know I will 
probably have to say "no" to these drugs and situations. So when you start 
DARE, listen and have fun so you too can have a great future.

TAYLAR INGERSOLL

Sanford
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens