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
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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. 
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