Pubdate: Thu, 04 Dec 2008
Source: Cordova Times, The (AK)
Copyright: 2008 Cordova Times
Contact:  http://thecordovatimes.com/
Author: Joy Landaluce
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

ON A DARE, MOUNT ECCLES STUDENTS SAY NO TO DRUGS

This year millions of school children around the world will benefit
from DARE - Drug Abuse Resistance Education - the highly acclaimed
program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in
drugs, gangs, and violence.  DARE was launched in Cordova this year
thanks to schools superintendent Jim Nygaard and Police Chief Chris
Canaski. The first class of 54 fifth-graders graduated at Mount Eccles
Elementary School last month.

"Jim Nygaard and I wanted to start a DARE program here in Cordova. A
friend and former employer, Sheriff Greg Champagne, agreed to loan one
of his DARE officers, deputy Vicki Carter from Louisiana, for the
month of November to teach DARE. here," Canaski said. "Once an officer
has completed DARE training, he or she is certified to teach DARE
anywhere in the country."

DARE was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and is now being implemented
in 75 percent of U.S. school districts and in more than 43 countries
around the world.

DARE is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches
children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer
pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

Student Lindsay Phillips read some of her essay to the parents,
teachers and friends at the graduation ceremony. Phillips wrote one of
the two essays chosen to be read aloud; Cadie Moffitt's essay was also
chosen.

"This class taught me a lot about drugs and how to say no," Phillips
said. "Alcohol is dangerous. Too much alcohol can cause a coma. It
hurts a teenage body more than an adult. I swear never to smoke
marijuana, tobacco and drugs in any way."

"I am going to tell others about drugs and the danger. I will make
healthy choices and say no confidently," Moffitt said. "This class
gave me the steps to make good decisions. I thank DARE for all the
facts on drug abuse. I pledge to never abuse drugs."

Student Council president Emma Roemhildt spoke with the graduates and
told them they were probably more educated on drugs than most of the
students at the high school. "Resist the group pressure and live a
drug and violence free life," Roemhildt said. "I dare you."

"These children are the future of Cordova," Mayor Tim Joyce said.
"These children will be able to stand up to Peer pressure and make the
right choices. Alcohol and drugs can really restrict what you can do."
Joyce added.

"Alaska has a DARE training program, and I hope to be able to send an
officer next year to be certified to continue the program," Canaski
said. "It is so nice to have a good relationship between the children
and the Police Department. This is thanks to the parents."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin