Pubdate: Mon, 19 Dec 2005 Source: Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser Contact: http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2179 Author: Nick Puhjera, Times Staff Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DRUMMERS ADD NATIVE TOUCH TO SAMSON DARE GRAD The energy of a daytime talk show permeated the Nipishikopahk School DARE graduation. The Bear Spirit drummers, composed of Grades 5 and 6 students, added an almost mystical ambiance to the ceremony. DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Founded by police and schools in Los Angeles in 1983, it is now taught in more than 54 countries around the world. DARE is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons which teaches kids how to resist peer pressure, avoid involvement in drugs, gangs and violence and live productive drug and violence-free lives. With microphone in hand and a huge audience of more than 87 people, Const. Richard Huculiak peppered the audience with questions at the Samson Middle School. "What was the 'H' word?" he asked. "Health!" the crowd of fifth and sixth graders responded enthusiastically, reminded by the affable constable to keep their minds and bodies pure. " 'M' is for money. Spend it one the things you like, not on drugs," he said, while 'T' is for trouble. Instead of getting involved in gangs, "you can go to school with that future." Parent Norella Morin praised the 10-lesson program. "I love it. I'm glad they have this program for children because it shows them a lot. They should have brought it in long ago," she said. "Our community should get together and talk about things like this." With the gentle support of teachers Andrew Fulks, Craig Letendre and Becky Omeasoo, the 38 graduates shared their reasons for taking the program. "I learned what drugs could do to people and how it affects them. I learned what crack cocaine does to your brain," said Grade 6 graduate Morningsong Soosay. Others said, "When I grow up, I want to be a cop or a cadet leader," "I want to buy a house and a car so I can go to work," "alcohol can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" and "I have a goal to be a teacher. Don't let drugs take away your power." As the personal commitments came to a close, some children danced with friends while others hugged their parents. "I feel happy she took the program and about the things she told me at home," said parent Judy Applegarth. "I'm a smoker myself and my daughter told me to stop." The other proud grads from Samson were Marlena Cabry, Nikkita Crier, Carolyn Dennehy, Jasmine Johnson, Aaron Lightning, Kaitlin Lightning, Anthony Omeasoo, Cheylynn Omeasoo-Boysis, Ryan Boysis, Josphine Saddleback, Colby Pruden, Deirdre Applegarth, Nicole Bruno, Delany Buffalo, Waseskwan Buffalo, Meagan Bull, Cheylene Lightning, Paskwaw Lightning, Clinton Morin, Dalton Nepoose, Debra Omeasoo, Cherisse Pruden, Effrem Saddleback, Tanisha Saddleback, Darienne Soosay, Cheyanne Swampy, Ashley Baptiste, Marcel Beebe, La-Tisha Crane, Latisha Dennehy, Spencer Lightning, Justice Montour, Marcel Montour, Chasity Saddleback, Miranda Saddleback, Leona Simon and Randi Smith-Applegarth. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake