Pubdate: Wed, 03 Mar 2004 Source: Revelstoke Times Review (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Bowes Publishers Contact: http://www.revelstoketimesreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2139 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) STUDENTS ACCEPT THE DARE CHALLENGE A total of 38 students graduated from this year's DARE program at Columbia Park School. The RCMP-sponsored DARE program focuses on teaching elementary students healthy life-style choices and providing them with the skills and information needed to resist the temptation and peer pressure to smoke, drink, or use drugs. "The DARE program challenges our students," said Columbia Park Principal Jane Morris. "It's very easy to tell our young people to say 'No' to drugs. But DARE goes the next step by giving them the confidence and the tools to be able to do so." Both Revelstoke School District Superintendent Anne Cooper and RCMP Staff Sgt. Randy Brown noted that the success of the DARE program in local elementary schools depends on community support. They credited several Revelstoke service clubs and businesses with helping provide support funding for the program. Local sponsors include the Revelstoke Masonic Lodge, Rotary Club, and Lions Club, and McDonald's Restaurant, and local school parent advisory councils. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl