DARE PROGRAM TO GRADUATE 400

More than 400 fifth-grade St. Landry Parish students will pledge to lead
lives free from drugs and violence over the next two weeks.

They will take that pledge as part of graduation exercises following
completing a 12-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

DARE coordinator Adolphe Lagrange with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's
Office, has invited students' families and friends to come to the ceremony.

He urged parents especially to join their sons and daughters at the
one-hour program.

"We want them to see what their children have learned; to see how aware of
the effects of drug abuse and violence they have become," Lagrange said.

While separate ceremonies will be held at eight local schools over the next
two weeks, Lagrange said they will all follow the same format.

In addition to the pledge, four top essay winners at each school will speak
on what DARE means to them. All children who have completed the program
will be given certificates of achievement and trophies will be presented to
essay winners.

Most programs will also include entertainment.

Local dignitaries have been invited to participate in the programs to help
impress on student how important DARE's message is.

DARE is a collaborative effort by DARE certified law enforcement officers,
educators, students, parents and the community.

DARE trained officers offer an educational program in the classroom
designed to prevent or reduce drug abuse and violence among children and youth.

Lagrange said the emphasis of DARE is to help students recognize and resist
the many direct and subtle pressures that tempt them to experiment with
alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants or other drugs or to engage in violence.

He said the program offers preventive strategies such as bonding to family,
school and community.

Lagrange said these protective factors appear to foster the development of
resiliency in young people, who may be at risk for substance abuse or other
problem behaviors.

He teaches strategies that focus on the development of social competence,
communication skills, self-esteem, empathy, decision making, conflict
resolution, sense of purpose and independence and positive alternative
activities.