Pubdate: Mon, 23 Jun 2003
Source: Clipper Weekly, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2003 The Clipper Weekly.
Contact:  http://www.clipper.mb.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2370
Author: Bill Smyth

ESS, GILLIS HOST DARE GRADUATION

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program held its Graduation Ceremonies 
last week at Edward Schreyer School. A total of 112 ESS and Gillis School 
students, all donning their bright orange caps, proudly marched in front of 
the audience lead by RCMP Constable Guylaine (Gil) Berube.

Cst. Berube has been their D.A.R.E. teacher/instructor/mentor throughout 
the program and is as proud as can be of each and every one of them.

Cathy Tymko of ESS and Kim Semonick of Gillis School relayed very strong 
positive messages from their respective schools regarding the program and 
also how proud their schools are of the students in the D.A.R.E. class this 
year.

Guest Speaker Mitch Dorge was very well received by D.A.R.E. grads as well 
as the audience. Mitch, the drummer for the Crash Test Dummies, focused on 
how important it is to be able to say NO when it is usually easier to go 
with the group.

To the delight of the crowd, five skits on the theme "ways to say no" were 
performed by ESS homerooms 6B, 6C, 6DG, 6N and Gillis School. All 112 
students took part. Following the well done skits, six students read essays 
on "take a stand".

The evening was not only entertaining but very informative and quite 
serious as members of the RCMP, including Auxiliary members and others who 
have had to deal with drug abuse and violence on a regular basis, told of 
stories related to drugs.

Their stories may have been different, but their messages were the same: 
DARE TO RESIST DRUGS AND VIOLENCE.

The evenings ceremonies ended with the D.A.R.E. song and thank you by the 
grads in class 6C followed by cake and refreshments.

Congratulations to all of you on having the courage to stand up and say NO. 
The community is proud of you.

A special thanks to the following D.A.R.E. sponsors: A.F.M., Beausejour 
Co-op, Beausejour Crime Stoppers, Beausejour Justice Committee, Elim 
Baptist Church, Grace Lutheran Church, RM of Brokenhead, S.I.C.U., Standard 
Aero, Town of Beausejour, Trinity Lutheran Church and Tyndall Eagles Club.
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MAP posted-by: Alex