LEARNING TO RESIST DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

RCMP Dare program visits schools

ELLERSLIE - Thirty Grade 6 students have graduated from the RCMP's
DARE Program.

DARE is an acronym for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The 10-session
program is designed to equip elementary, intermediate and high school
children with knowledge about drug abuse, and to provide them with
skills for resisting peer pressure to experiment with alcohol, drugs
and tobacco.

The program introduces children to the DARE decision-making process to
define, assess, respond and evaluate.

"I enjoyed the activities," graduate Brandon Williams
said.

Daniel Gorrill said the program provided information about the
consequences of abuse.

"It's supposed to help you resist drugs and alcohol," he
explained.

Const. Janice Hebb coordinated the program on behalf of the East
Prince RCMP. It is her second year of involvement with the program.
Last year she conducted sessions at the elementary schools in Lennox
Island and Miscouche. This year she gave the program at Ellerslie and
Miscouche.

This is the first time the program was offered at Ellerslie
elementary. The Ellerslie Home and School provided the sponsorship and
H&S secretary, Lisa MacDougall, suggested the organization would be
interested in helping with sponsorship again.

Program participants were treated to a pizza and cake and ice cream
party prior to the graduation program. All the participants received a
DARE T-shirt to keep.

"I think the message has gotten through," Hebb said to parents of the
Ellerslie school graduates.

She said the lines of communication have been opened, encouraging
parents to help reinforce the message.