Pubdate: Mon, 17 Apr 2006
Source: Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2179
Author: Nick Puhjera, Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

FALUN STUDENTS TAKE DARE-ING STEP AGAINST DRUGS, ALCOHOL

The 31 Falun Schoolgraduates stretched from one end of the school gym  
to the other like passengers in an airport terminal.

They weren't graduating from school, but from an innovative program  
called Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

Compared to other schools, Falun students had some of the most  
diverse replies in why to stop substance abuse and violence.

"Drug dealers want you to do all the bad stuff so they don't get in  
trouble," said Benny Blatz.

Wanting to live to be 80, to be a farm girl, to live a whole century,  
to go to other countries like Cuba, or be a teacher at Falun School  
were among the numerous replies supplied by the students on stopping  
substance abuse and violence.

One student was more practical. "My mother would pound me into the  
ground," said a brave Emily Henschel.

By wading through pressure, both personal and the pressure caused by  
family, media and peers, kids avoid getting a criminal record, said  
DARE instructor Const. Richard Huculiak.

"It's awesome. It really taught them a lot and gave them a good idea  
about what to say 'no' to," said parent Crystal Sekora.

Teacher Monica Robins said, "They've learned something which will  
protect them throughout life."

The other graduates are Sipkje-Minke Baardaa, Travis Brittain,  
Kaleigh Brown, Jenna Butt, Jesse Dammann, Ben Davis, Stefanie de  
Boer, Brayden Harries, Seanna Hemmaway, Brennan Hunker, Slaton  
Johnson, Max Kalser, Nicholas Lee, Melissa Miller, Tori Moonias,  
Michaela Pohl, Kolly Rattray, Jonathan Ruskowsky, Laci Schmidt,  
Taylor Schnell, Nina Schut, Shandelle Sekora, Kimberly Simpson, Cody  
Swanson, Andrew Szameitat, Ryann Thorton, Hidde van der Kamp, Anna  
Zimmerman and Jenna Roasting.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl