Pubdate: Tue, 10 May 2005 Source: Daily Press, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2005 Daily Press (CN ON) Contact: http://www.timminspress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1001 Author: Heather Spadafore Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DARE POINTS YOUTH TOWARD RIGHT PATH It is not easy being young these days. Peer pressure and the easy access to drugs put an added strain on young people, some of the guest speakers at the DARE graduation said. During the first graduation ceremony, at Ecole secondaire Theriault Monday morning, 117 students from St. Charles, St. Jude and Don Bosco received diplomas and heard several speakers talk about the dangers of drugs. As the program celebrated its 10th anniversary, the first DARE teacher, Const. Gilles Carbonneau, talked about the start-up. Timmins was the first city in the world to offer the program in French, Carbonneau said. The nine-week program is offered in Grade 6 to all Timmins schools. "We had lots of fun," he said. "As police officers, we enjoy teaching the DARE program. "We teach them how to say no to peer pressure. If they can do that, they can say no to drugs." Former Olympian Jason Gervais told students that although he's had many obstacles to overcome, he has always said no to drugs. "I had the choice to make good decisions," he said. "The secret is to never be influenced. Be smart to choose a good life." Dr. Gerard Champion spoke of the many instances where he has seen addicts and the effects of drug abuse. "I've seen a lot of people who have made bad choices," he said. "Some are so caught up in drugs, they can't recognize their parents or friends." He said when he was younger, he had no trouble saying no to drugs. Finding a hobby that is of interest can help young people steer down the right path, he said. "It's because I was well prepared," he said. "My high wasn't drugs; it was sports and leadership. Think long and hard before doing drugs. Use the tools that you learned." Ecole St. Charles student Stephanie Melanson spoke about her promise not to do drugs. "The DARE program is good for us," she said. "It tells us about the dangers of drugs and how to say no. If you smoke or do drugs, it can change your life." Two other graduation ceremonies were held for Anicet Morin, Jacques Cartier and Lionel Gauthier. - --- MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman