Pubdate: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 Source: Wynyard Advance Gazette (CN SN) Copyright: 2006 The Advance Gazette Contact: http://www.wynyardadvance.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2159 Author: Darlene Johannesson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) WYNYARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DARE GRADUATION Constable Graham welcomed everyone to the DARE grad ceremony on Wednesday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. She thanked local groups and businesses who sponsored the DARE program. "Without their help, we couldn't put this program on," said Cst. Graham. The DARE program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), is a 10 week program that teaches children how to say no, how to make healthy decisions and how to deal with peer pressure. Three skits were prepared by the students to exemplify what they have learned while taking classes. The skits were done in such a way that students took turns, two at a time, acting as commentators, explaining the scenes to the audience. Skit number one was titled "Ways to be in Charge." Suggestions included: walk away from drugs; there is strength in numbers; how to avoid a situation; and the cold shoulder. Skit number two explained how they learned to get out of risky situations: Say no; give a reason or a fact; change the subject, repeated refusal; and use humour or sarcasm. In skit number three students explained facts they learned from the DARE booklet. They learned how to make wise choices about drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Each student then had the opportunity to share their essays. Each essay explained what they had learned in the past 10 weeks. Cst. Graham presented each student with a certificate after they completed sharing their essays. A lunch of pizza was served before students went out for recess.