Pubdate: Mon, 19 Jun 2006
Source: Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2179
Author: Nick Puhjera
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

FIRST LOUIS BULL CLASS GRADUATES DARE

The soupy roads and pelting rain didn't stop the students of 
Kisipnatnahk School from attending their first DARE grad.

The ceremony took place in a large circular room. On the floor was a 
circle divided into white, blue, yellow and red quarters.

"This is the first DARE grad for Louis Bull school," said RCMP Const. 
Richard Huculiak, to much applause.

"We teach the kids social development skills, how to resist drugs and 
violence and how to get them out of bad situations."

After shaking the hands of members of the audience, Louis Bull Police 
Chief Alf Rudd said he was pleased with the Drug Abuse Resistance 
Education program.

"We're glad to have this partnership with the RCMP."

Then he decided to teach the kids a moral by telling them a story.

"A little boy was flying a kite with his family. 'Let more string 
out,' he said to his uncle. 'Please let it go and see how high it 
will go,' " the policeman recounted.

So the uncle acquiesced and the kite flew so high in the air it was 
never seen again.

The moral of the story?

"If we don't have strings attached to us, we will lose control. 
(Rules) keep us all from crashing down," Rudd said.

Kids have all sorts of strings to make sure they don't fly away, 
including parents and rules like "no running" in school.

Vice-principal David Leslie said, "You are among the first to have 
reached such a prestigious position. Keep on resisting the problems 
we face each day."

Grade 5 teacher Alison Tanton said DARE is "a stepping stone in 
communicating with our children. (Parents,) don't be afraid to talk 
(to your child.) They know who went to youth jail or who the drug dealers are."

Each graduate read their essay, vowing to be drug and violence free.

"I want to travel around the world. I want to be healthy. I don't 
need to be bad to look good," said Grade 5 student Evan Deschamps.

Directing her comments towards parents, Grade 6 student Lyisha 
Larocque said, "I can't believe people call themselves good parents 
when they're under the influence or commit violent acts."

In recognition of their hard work, Huculiak presented students with a 
certificate, while Rudd presented them with blue key chains which 
read, "Be Proud of Who You Are."

The other Grade 5 DARE grads were Nancy Bull, Rylee Bull, Stephanie 
Bull, Kaitlin Deschamps, Darian Johnson, Alyssa Raine, Brandon Raine, 
Cellina Raine, Michael Raine, Ian Roasting, Marissa Roasting, Delayna 
Saddleback, Sioux Swampy and Jamie Ward.

The other Grade 6 grads were Rinelle Brown, Volelle Bull, Daniel 
Deschamps, Narcisse Deschamps, Ebony Montour, Donovan Moonias, 
Theoren Omeasoo, Tashina Raine and Dylan Rowan.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom