Pubdate: Wed, 26 May 2004 Source: Leavenworth Times, The (KS) Copyright: The Leavenworth Times 2004. Contact: P.O. Box 144, Leavenworth, KS 66048 Website: http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3199 Note: Accepts LTEs by mail only! Must be signed w/phone# Author: John Richmeier DARE HOLDS GRADUATION CEREMONY It is the season for graduation ceremonies. But one ceremony may have seemed a little premature Tuesday as the school principal said, "I present the class of 2011." However, students at Salt Creek Valley Elementary School, as well as other area elementary schools, are recognized annually for completing a Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. Students from three fifth-grade classes at Salt Creek Valley were presented with certificates Tuesday, culminating a DARE program of 12 weekly sessions led by Deputy Connie Anderson, Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office. Tuesday's ceremony had many of the same features as graduation ceremonies held at high schools and institutions of higher learning. There were speeches. There was music. There were camera flashes and cheers from family members as the graduates entered the gymnasium where the ceremony was held. Some parents had video cameras at the ready. The 53 fifth-graders didn't wear caps and gowns, but they did have DARE T-shirts. Anderson noted during the event that sometimes people will point out when a DARE student gets into trouble. But she asked the audience to think about the thousands of DARE students who have chosen to do the right thing. "It's not a magic wand," Anderson said of the DARE program, but it serves as a foundation. County Attorney Frank Kohl, the guest speaker for the event, called DARE a tool, but students have to use it properly in order for it to be helpful. "A tool does no good by itself," he said. Students in the program were required to write essays. Two students from each fifth-grade class read their essays at Tuesday's ceremony. The essays reported on what students had learned in the program. Some of the authors also pledged not to use drugs. As with other graduation ceremonies, some received special honors. Anderson recognized students for their participation in class and serving as her "helpers." Two students, Sandra Cessor and Kara Karnosky, received the Spirit Award which Anderson said recognized the most enthusiastic participation in the program. Students were awarded various items with DARE logos. Anderson said the items may help the students remember the lessons of the program. Teachers and Principal Nancy Wilson also were presented with gifts. Wilson used the ceremony to recognize students for academic achievement. A number of fifth-graders were presented the President's Award for Educational Achievement and President's Award for Educational Excellence. The ceremony did not mark the end of the school year for Salt Creek Valley fifth-graders. The students were scheduled to return today for their last day of classes. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake