STUDENTS DARE TO HAVE A FUTURE

As the drum group kept beat 44 Grade 6 graduates from Nipisihkopahk
Middle School (NMS) walked down the centre aisle to the front of the
gym where Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) instructor, Const.
Richard Huculiak of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), was
waiting to begin the graduation ceremony on Dec. 14.

"This is the greatest job in the RCMP," he said. "This program
teaches students consequences, gives them confidence and positive
things to do and teaches them about their future."

The ten week DARE program was designed to give students the
knowledge, skills and tools needed to make the right decisions when
faced with challenging issues.

Huculiak thinks that Grade 6 is the perfect age for the DARE program
because they are at a time where they are preparing to leave
elementary school and about to face the challenges of junior high
school. The RCMP guides the course to help bridge a good connection
with the youth and establish a relationship of trust with police officers.

"Police have to do something more than just enforcement," said
Huculiak. "This program teaches students that they can learn, see and
trust the police and it helps us to be proactive."

Huculiak is a firm believer in today's youth and places a lot of
value on them emphasizing that this program helps with guiding them
in the right direction.

"I try to give back and encourage the youth to have a brighter
vision, confidence, self-esteem and skills, if we don't focus on the
youth then we're not focusing on our future," he said.

"Many students today don't even look past tomorrow but this program
teaches kids to look ahead in life and these students are setting
goals and talking about how they want a good life for their future children."

Huculiak does not just teach his students about the effects of drugs,
alcohol and violence, he also allows for them to talk about their own
personal concerns and troubles.

"In this program we give time for kids to talk about personal issues
and what's hurting them," he said. "It's good, it's a time for
healing and the students have an outlet that way."

Kevin Wells, principal of NMS, is impressed with the work of Huculiak
and the DARE program.

"We're always excited to have the DARE program and Const. Huculiak at
this school. The kids really look forward to it and DARE does a great
job of bringing the message across."

Wells also thinks that the number of drug incidences at the school
may be partly because of the DARE program.

"There are zero incidences of drugs in our school and I think the
DARE program contributed to that," he said.

Both Huculiak and Wells appreciate the flexibility and support of the
Grade 6 teachers to help make this program work.

"The teachers have been very supportive and do whatever they can do
to make it successful including changing around their schedules," said Wells.

One of the teachers, Sherri Carnley, asked her students to always
remember what they had learned during the DARE program and voiced her
desire for them to lead a full and healthy life.

"I want to really encourage my students to really take to heart what
they have learned and use those skills to make good decisions in
their lives," said Carnley.

Huculiak knows that the students have the knowledge and tools they
need to make these good decisions and encourages all the students,
teachers, parents, friends and family to stand together and support
one another.

"The kids have the skills and they know how to use them but they
still need support. There's strength in numbers and that's what we need."