Pubdate: Sat, 31 May 2008
Source: Amherst Citizen, The (CN NS)
Copyright: 2008 Transcontinental Media
Contact:  http://www.citizenweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4082
Author: Andrew Wagstaff
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

DARE STUDENTS COMPLETE PROGRAM

Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program Wraps Up For  PRES Grade Six
Students

PARRSBORO - Being a teenager is not easy.

Whether you live in a big city or a small town, the problem of
illegal drugs seems to rear its ugly head  for young people, but local
Grade Six students have  another tool to help them deal with such
pressures -  the information they picked up from the Drug Abuse 
Resistance Education (DARE) program.

The students graduated from the 10-week program in a special ceremony
at the elementary school gymnasium,  with their parents and other
supporters looking on.

"I've worked with a number of youth prior to joining the RCMP, 18
years in different capacities, and I can  honestly say that this group
here is the best I've ever  worked with," said Const. Dal Hutchinson.
"I'm not just  saying that. They are an excellent bunch, and need to 
give themselves a pat on the back."

The DARE program was a series of interactive sessions between the
students and Hutchinson as facilitator,  focusing on peer pressure and
the choices young people  make on issues such as drugs and alcohol.

Having the opportunity to get to know some of the young people in the
community, has been one of the great  things about being a police
officer, according to  Hutchinson, who said the DARE program has
enhanced that  opportunity.

"This group here is on the verge of becoming teenagers, and are faced
with a lot of pressure, a lot more than  we were when we were
younger," he said. "With the DARE  program, we're trying to enhance
that skill level they  already have, and give them the skills they
need to  make really good decisions. I have a lot of faith in  this
group."

Parrsboro Regional Elementary School vice-principal Norma Collinson
thanked all of the groups that  sponsored the program, including the
Don Yorke Memorial  Slo-Pitch Tournament committee, the Royal Canadian
 Legion Branch No. 45, the Parrsboro Lions Club, the  Municipality of
Cumberland County and the Town of  Parrsboro.

Among those in attendance at the ceremony were county councillor
Ernest Gilbert and several legion members.

She also thanked the teaching and support staff, as well as
Hutchinson, for his dedication.

"He has been a wonderful asset to the program and the school, with
appropriate input and caring," she said.  "He has developed a
wonderful rapport with the students  that will take him a long way,
and them as well."

Prior to hearing some of the essays written for the program by
participating students, and before handing  them their certificates of
completion, Hutchinson  echoed Collinson's words of appreciation, and
thanked  the students for the good times and the hard work they  did.

"Make healthy choices, you guys," he told them. "We can't make your
choices for you, but I know you guys  can make the right ones."

Next year, Hutchinson said he plans on starting a DARE program for
the students in Grades Seven and Eight, so  will be seeing more of
this year's graduates.

"You haven't seen the end of me," he told them. "I'll be keeping an
eye on you."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin