Pubdate: Sat, 10 Feb 2007
Source: Post Gazette, The (CN NK)
Copyright: 2007 Brunswick News Inc.
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/4344
Author: Mark Taylor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

OROMOCTO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SERVE AS ROLE MODELS FOR THE LOCAL DARE
PROGRAM

High school students visit Hubbard Ave Elementary to answer questions
about saying no to drugs and not smoking

An Oromocto school teacher is praising an initiative to keep kids from
using drugs, alcohol and crime.

"I think the DARE program has been a huge asset to the schools," said
Hubbard Avenue Elementary School teacher Michelle Dunn in a recent
interview.

"Having a (police) officer come to discuss discuss the issue of drug
and alcohol has more of an impact then it would coming from their own
teacher.

D.A.R.E. is an effort to helps school students stay away from drugs
and crime through various initiatives such as talks.

Local RCMP are actively involved in the initiative.

Recently, a number of Oromocto High School students traveled to
Hubbard Avenue Elementary school to talk to the kids there about
staying away from drugs.

The high school students addressed questions on issues ranging from
opinions on drugs to how to say no to offers of drugs.

"The students from Oromocto High were able to act as peer mentors to
our students. I believe they were able to make a connection between
what they learned in the D.A.R.E. program and the experiences they
themselves will have to face in the not so distance future," Dunn
said. "It is important for our young students to see that they have
tough choices to make in life and that taking an active role in their
health and well-being requires them to make positive choices.

"The high school students are true leaders and, in my opinion, have
left a clear message with our students."

She said it is important for kids to learn to make good choices, to be
active and happy.

RCMP Cst. Marie Dumont teaches the D.A.R.E. program at local
elementary schools.

"The students were just shining stars," said Dumont.

She said each of the mentors have impressive ambitions such as working
in medicine and in the culinary field.

Dumont said that having the high school students talk to the
elementary school students about drugs and alcohol is very important.
She said the elementary students looking hearing from older children.

"The little kids love it because they hear, and it helps them see,
that you can succeed without drugs and you don't need to smoke,"
Dumont said.

She said the talks break down ideas of reality that are not
true.

For example, Dumont said the kids learn that not everybody
smokes.

"Is everybody smoking at OHS?," she asked. "No."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin