Pubdate: Sun, 20 Jun 2004 Source: Selkirk Journal (CN MB) Copyright: 2004 The Selkirk Journal Contact: http://www.selkirkjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2165 Author: Bonnie Baltessen Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) D.A.R.E. TO SAY NO 25 Ruth Hooker students celebrate their graduation from drug awareness program Selkirk Journal - Const. Rhonda Seitz of the Selkirk RCMP detachment likes to dare children to say no to drugs and seek healthy alternatives for recreational activities. Seitz was at Ruth Hooker School on June 14, 2004 to celebrate the graduation of all 25 students who participated in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program or DARE. There was no shortage of pride at the grad. Beaming parents, impressed administrators and special guests, including Lord Selkirk School Division Superintendent Gail Bagnall and members of the RCMP were in attendance to show their support for the program. The program was delivered to Grade 5 students at four schools in the school division. With full parental support, all of the Grade 5 children of Ruth Hooker School were able to participate. In case the parents had concerns, Seitz ran an information evening to address questions and also invited parents to attend any or all of the 17 weeks of classes. The children have work to do and must attend all the classes. At the beginning of the program, they sign a contract that they must abide by. While two of the classes were "snow days," these ambitious students managed to pack the program in, learning how and why to say no to drugs. Smoking and alcohol were also discussed as addictions and addressed as lifestyle choices for adults. Participation in violent incidences, lack of attendance or involvement with drugs all result in an automatic failure. Drug abuse is not a serious Selkirk problem in Selkirk but she acknowledged they could be found in the Catfish Capital. Seitz has been teaching the class for four years and loves it. Originally from Brandon, she came to Selkirk six years ago and calls it home. She enjoys seeing the children after hours and says that they always react positively to her. A special box is created for children to write confidential concerns to the peace officer. Seitz avoids personal issues with the class, preferring to speak to the children after hours to deal with sensitive questions. For Seitz, the graduation is a big deal. Not all children graduate, but the Ruth Hooker program saw a 100 percent success rate. At the graduation, eight of the students presented their essays, which held a promise to lead a healthy drug free lifestyle. "I want to live as long as I can," declared Jamie-Lee McKay at the conclusion of her essay; a poignant reason to avoid a substance-abuse lifestyle. Seitz thanked the RCMP for allowing her the time on her own shift to teach the course. She was grateful to the school for inviting her to present the program, grateful to the division and very appreciative of the parents who supported DARE. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin