Pubdate: Sat, 08 May 2004
Source: Daily World, The (LA)
Copyright: South Louisiana Publishing 2004
Contact:  http://www.dailyworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1740
Author: William Johnson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

DARE PROGRAM TO GRADUATE 400

More than 400 fifth-grade St. Landry Parish students will pledge to lead 
lives free from drugs and violence over the next two weeks.

They will take that pledge as part of graduation exercises following 
completing a 12-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

DARE coordinator Adolphe Lagrange with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's 
Office, has invited students' families and friends to come to the ceremony.

He urged parents especially to join their sons and daughters at the 
one-hour program.

"We want them to see what their children have learned; to see how aware of 
the effects of drug abuse and violence they have become," Lagrange said.

While separate ceremonies will be held at eight local schools over the next 
two weeks, Lagrange said they will all follow the same format.

In addition to the pledge, four top essay winners at each school will speak 
on what DARE means to them. All children who have completed the program 
will be given certificates of achievement and trophies will be presented to 
essay winners.

Most programs will also include entertainment.

Local dignitaries have been invited to participate in the programs to help 
impress on student how important DARE's message is.

DARE is a collaborative effort by DARE certified law enforcement officers, 
educators, students, parents and the community.

DARE trained officers offer an educational program in the classroom 
designed to prevent or reduce drug abuse and violence among children and youth.

Lagrange said the emphasis of DARE is to help students recognize and resist 
the many direct and subtle pressures that tempt them to experiment with 
alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants or other drugs or to engage in violence.

He said the program offers preventive strategies such as bonding to family, 
school and community.

Lagrange said these protective factors appear to foster the development of 
resiliency in young people, who may be at risk for substance abuse or other 
problem behaviors.

He teaches strategies that focus on the development of social competence, 
communication skills, self-esteem, empathy, decision making, conflict 
resolution, sense of purpose and independence and positive alternative 
activities.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom