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.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman