Pubdate: Mon, 06 Jun 2005 Source: Clipper Weekly, The (CN MB) Copyright: 2005 The Clipper Weekly. Contact: http://www.clipper.mb.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2370 Author: Bill Smyth Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) 2005 D.A.R.E. GRADUATES HONOURED The D.A.R.E. (drug abuse resistance education) graduation took place last week at Edward Schreyer School in Beausejour. 126 students from the grade 6 classes at ESS and Gillis Schools were present at the ceremony as RCMP Constable Corey Larsen welcomed everyone and spoke briefly on what the D.A.R.E. program teaches youth. The program, with the motto "dare to resist drugs and violence," focuses on teaching youth ways to say "no," helping youth build self-esteem and to speak out and not be afraid. Their aim is to teach skills and cover subjects relating to drugs and violence. According to Cst. Larsen, the RCMP work in partnership with the local and surrounding community, RM, Town, local businesses and the schools, all of whom are to be thanked for their help and support. The D.A.R.E. program is a 10-week course and these grade 6 students learned something of a very serious nature. Besides graduating, all the students had one other thing in common - their respect for the program and what they learned as well as their adoration for Cst. Larsen. Guest Speaker Mitch Dorge, former of the Crash Test Dummies pop group, entertained the grads and the crowd with some stories of his past that proved to be comical yet contained a very serious message. Of the five classes that participated, Heather Wade (Gillis), Evan Raugust (ESS Grade 6RF), Eric Raugust (ESS Grade 6K), Jasmine Ottenson (ESS Grade 6R) and Tanyss Adam (ESS Grade 6C) all recited essays on "Taking a Stand." Local D.A.R.E. sponsors include: Togs N' Treasures (Child & Family Services), AFM, Beausejour Consumers Co-op, Beausejour Crime Stoppers, Beausejour Justice Committee, Elim Baptist Church, RM of Brokenhead, Town of Beausejour, SICU, Standard Aero, Trinity Lutheran Church, Tyndall Eagles. Thank you for your support of this worthwhile program. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin