D.A.R.E. IS STILL TEACHING CHILDREN

In 21 years, drug abuse program has educated countless youth

Olivia Lopez knows that if she never starts taking drugs, she won't
have to quit.

It's one of the lessons the fifth-grader at Estabrook Elementary
School in Ypsilanti learned along with the other some 60 graduates of
the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program.

Washtenaw County Sheriff Deputy Katrina Armstrong is in her third year
as a D.A.R.E. officer and says the program helps young people in a
number of ways.

"I think it's important for kids to see the police in a good light and
for them to see us rally for them and that we're on their side,"
Armstrong said. "The program also provides the tools to help them make
healthy choices."

Founded in 1983, D.A.R.E. is a joint effort between law enforcement
agencies and schools to educate students about the personal and social
consequences of substance abuse and violence.

At the March 19 graduation program, select students from each
fifth-grade class read essays espousing the reasons to avoid harmful
substances. Bad breath, discolored teeth, the financial drain and
health issues were mentioned as detriments to drug abuse.

"Do you want to waste money on something that can kill you?" Caitlin
Duncan asked the audience. Classmate Andrew Jackson warned, "If you
grow up and use drugs, you'll wish you'd listened to your parents and
your D.A.R.E. officer."

State Rep. Ruth Ann Jamnick, D-Ypsilanti Township, spoke to the
students about the importance of what they had learned through the
D.A.R.E. program and that their decisions affect everyone.

"I believe in this (D.A.R.E.) program. ... Every decision, action or
reaction has an impact on our future," Jamnick said to her young
audience. "Our future is in your hands. Take good care of us and
yourselves."

After the recognition of the program graduates, a D.A.R.E. cheer was
performed by 10 students and a group photo was taken. While signing
autographs for the fifth-graders, Armstrong talked about being honest
with the students about her own family background, and offered
on-the-job examples to support the anti-drug message.

"I tell the kids I don't come from a perfect family, and I witnessed
what substance abuse can do to a family," Armstrong said. "I had to
challenge myself to make good choices."

Parents filed past Armstrong to thank her for conducting the 10-week
class. Armstrong is the only full-time D.A.R.E. officer in the
sheriff's department. She coordinates the program for the Ypsilanti,
Lincoln, Willow Run, Manchester and Dexter school districts. She runs
about 50 classes, but doesn't complain.

"I love what I do," Armstrong said. "If I can make a difference in one
kid's life ... they all have the potential to do something absolutely
wonderful."