Pubdate: Tue, 07 Jun 2005
Source: Peace River Record-Gazette (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Peace River Record-Gazette
Contact:  http://www.prrecordgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1232
Author: John Pigeon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

KIDS DARE TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS

The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program at Good Shepherd 
School came to a close last week with the graduation of 55 grade five 
students from the program that offers early education in the harmful use of 
drugs and alcohol. Instructor, Constable Chris Hyrnyk taught the children 
about individual substances and what some of the negative affects of each 
can be.

"This is the first year ever that the D.A.R.E program has been at Good 
Shepherd school," Constable Hyrnyk" said. "I would like to thank you all 
for the support."

The D.A.R.E. program was begun in 1983 in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles 
Police Department came to the conclusion that drug use was on the rise 
among kids and the best way to protect children from drug use was to 
educate them as to how they were targeted and why they shouldn't become 
involved.

Today the program is considered a success and is used all over the U.S, the 
U.K, and Canada.

Annette Barker from the Good Shepherd School Council feels that Constable 
Hyrnyk was a positive role model at Good Shepherd School. "The staff and 
students have come to recognize Constable Hyrnyk as a friend," Barker said.

Students wrote essays at the end of the course to describe how the 
experience affected them. During the graduation ceremonies, four students 
presented their essays to the audience.

"I have learned to say no," said Wren Beckley, a fifth grade student and 
D.A.R.E. graduate. "You want to know why I will never do drugs? Because I'm 
not stupid. I knew it because it is easy, my self-esteem is bigger than the 
world."

The D.A.R.E. program is expected to continue next year at Good Shepherd 
School and Constable Hyrnyk felt very positive about the course.

"It was a very wonderful experience," Cst. Hyrnyk said.

"Congratulations to all of our graduates."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom