Pubdate: Sat, 25 May 2002
Source: Foster's Daily Democrat (NH)
Copyright: 2002 Geo. J. Foster Co.
Contact:  http://www.fosters.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/160
Author: Nora Lyons
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

SOMERSWORTH FIFTH-GRADERS GRADUATE FROM DARE PROGRAM

SOMERSWORTH -- Fifth-grader Michael Ainaire said he knew a little about 
drugs before the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, but feels 
much more informed now.

"Now I know about how horrible drugs really are," he read from his essay 
about what he learned during the 17-week program. "Thank you DARE. Now I 
know how to keep myself healthy."

Ainaire and Courtney Standwood read their winning entries about the program 
during the DARE graduation ceremony on Friday morning.

"In this day and age education is extremely important," Middle School 
Principal Paul Maskwa said. "For us as a school it's important to make a 
strong stand with a clear anti-drug message."

"You can say no to anyone, even your best friend," Standwood read from her 
essay. She told the assembled students and family members that she learned 
how to talk about problems and choices. She learned that each choice has 
consequences, she said. "DARE teaches skills that (the students) need to 
get along in the real world," School resource and DARE officer Brandon 
Drysdale said, "And with a program like this we can all sleep a little better."

On Friday, 138 students graduated the program, now in its tenth year at the 
Middle School.

"Our regular health curriculum covers a lot of this, but this makes it 
special," he said of the graduation. "Some people think (fifth grade) is 
too young, but it's when (the students) are impressionable ... It takes a 
community effort, not just the school, not just the police, not just the 
parents, but the whole community."

Teacher and City Councilor Dana Hilliard told the students he was very 
proud of their graduation from the program.

"You have made a commitment to be your very best," he said. The community 
needs to make a commitment to have quality programs so the students stay 
busy after school and stay out of trouble with drugs and violence as well 
as a good police force, he said.

The Dover Middle School group Youth to Youth put on a short skit about the 
top ten reasons not to smoke. Reasons included "that smoking is a fire 
hazard." When the students feigned a fire caused by a dropped cigarette, 
one of the Dover students grabbed a bucket and when he threw the "water" on 
the "fire" it was full of confetti. Another reason, "some people are 
allergic to smoke and sneeze." A large faked sneeze from the back of the 
gym was accompanied by the spray of a water gun.

Lorette Witham, who donates two bikes, helmets and locks for one boy and 
one girl to win at graduation and Gagnon's Auto Body Shop, which 
financially contributes to the program, were honored with plaques of 
appreciation.

Students Taryn Heon and Daniel Rines won the drawing for the bikes. Bianca 
Toribio won the drawing for a stuffed DARE lion.
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MAP posted-by: Alex