DARE GIVES RCMP THUMBS UP

While the first DARE program graduates in Sparwood took centre stage
and received both pats on the back and parchments May 29, a
resounding thumbs up was given to local RCMP for bringing the drug
and alcohol awareness program to the district.

During an hour-long graduation ceremony at Frank J. Mitchell
Elementary School, Grade 6 students treated an enthusiastic audience
to an artistic demonstration about drug smarts, received certificates
of achievement and a few tokens - T-shirts and water bottles - for
participation.

Following an intensive 17 weeks of instruction from Const. Wally
Bursey, 26 students showed an appreciative audience just how well they
learned to say no to drugs. Their presentation, staged without adult
input, included poetry, essays and drug vocabulary enhancement
demonstrations, plus a couple of rap numbers.

As well, student Pat Templin gave his take on the merits of the
program.

"It helps people stay away from drugs very well," Templin said while
explaining the most memorable part of instruction for him centred
around lessons highlighting the toll drugs take on a person's life.

"I think I'll stick with it," he said, referring to healthy lifestyle
choices.

Both Bursey and Sgt. Marty Misner, who initiated the program, also
received accolades from the parents, council representatives and the
school administration that attended the graduation.

While FJM principal Margaret Czernicki went through a list of personal
attributes the children have acquired as a result of the program, Ray
Hughes, director of instruction for School District No. 5, said the
program has wide implications for society.

"This is the most effective way of fighting organized crime and saving
young lives," Hughes said.

"On behalf of the school district, keep up the good
work."

Bursey, though he said he appreciated the praise, referred to it being
a rewarding part of his job.

"It was fun. It really was fun...that means more than the material
you have to read to put it on."

Parents, what do you think of the DARE program? (page
5)

It's going to have a positive effect on the kids.

Dale Kabel,
Sparwood

It's an awesome thing. It should have been started a long time
ago.

Linda White,
Sparwood

It's marvelous and another example of how good the community of
Sparwood is. Look at all the people there are to support this.

Evonne Miller,
Sparwood

It's an excellent program. It taught a lot about awareness. I don't
think they (the children) realized they had the power to say no.

Michele Dwyer,
Sparwood

It's a great program that teaches kids about drugs, but it also opens
the eyes of parents to see what's happening, to see what's going on in
society.

Dennis Pan,
Sparwood