Pubdate: Thu, 20 Dec 2007
Source: Ponoka News (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Ponoka News
Contact:  http://www.ponokanews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3819
Author: Eraina Hooyer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

STUDENTS DARE TO HAVE A FUTURE

As the drum group kept beat 44 Grade 6 graduates from Nipisihkopahk 
Middle School (NMS) walked down the centre aisle to the front of the 
gym where Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) instructor, Const. 
Richard Huculiak of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), was 
waiting to begin the graduation ceremony on Dec. 14.

"This is the greatest job in the RCMP," he said. "This program 
teaches students consequences, gives them confidence and positive 
things to do and teaches them about their future."

The ten week DARE program was designed to give students the 
knowledge, skills and tools needed to make the right decisions when 
faced with challenging issues.

Huculiak thinks that Grade 6 is the perfect age for the DARE program 
because they are at a time where they are preparing to leave 
elementary school and about to face the challenges of junior high 
school. The RCMP guides the course to help bridge a good connection 
with the youth and establish a relationship of trust with police officers.

"Police have to do something more than just enforcement," said 
Huculiak. "This program teaches students that they can learn, see and 
trust the police and it helps us to be proactive."

Huculiak is a firm believer in today's youth and places a lot of 
value on them emphasizing that this program helps with guiding them 
in the right direction.

"I try to give back and encourage the youth to have a brighter 
vision, confidence, self-esteem and skills, if we don't focus on the 
youth then we're not focusing on our future," he said.

"Many students today don't even look past tomorrow but this program 
teaches kids to look ahead in life and these students are setting 
goals and talking about how they want a good life for their future children."

Huculiak does not just teach his students about the effects of drugs, 
alcohol and violence, he also allows for them to talk about their own 
personal concerns and troubles.

"In this program we give time for kids to talk about personal issues 
and what's hurting them," he said. "It's good, it's a time for 
healing and the students have an outlet that way."

Kevin Wells, principal of NMS, is impressed with the work of Huculiak 
and the DARE program.

"We're always excited to have the DARE program and Const. Huculiak at 
this school. The kids really look forward to it and DARE does a great 
job of bringing the message across."

Wells also thinks that the number of drug incidences at the school 
may be partly because of the DARE program.

"There are zero incidences of drugs in our school and I think the 
DARE program contributed to that," he said.

Both Huculiak and Wells appreciate the flexibility and support of the 
Grade 6 teachers to help make this program work.

"The teachers have been very supportive and do whatever they can do 
to make it successful including changing around their schedules," said Wells.

One of the teachers, Sherri Carnley, asked her students to always 
remember what they had learned during the DARE program and voiced her 
desire for them to lead a full and healthy life.

"I want to really encourage my students to really take to heart what 
they have learned and use those skills to make good decisions in 
their lives," said Carnley.

Huculiak knows that the students have the knowledge and tools they 
need to make these good decisions and encourages all the students, 
teachers, parents, friends and family to stand together and support 
one another.

"The kids have the skills and they know how to use them but they 
still need support. There's strength in numbers and that's what we need."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom