191 students graduate from D.A.R.E. program

WAYNE -- Sheriff Dave Pennington promised to fight drugs in Wayne County
when he took office 18 months ago, and the first phase has begun in the
classroom.

Last Friday, 191 fifth-graders from Buffalo, Prichard and Fort Gay
elementary schools graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education
program at the former Buffalo High School gymnasium. Pennington said
Wednesday that he plans to expand the program countywide next fall.

"The only way you're ever going to stop drug abuse is through education,"
Pennington said. "D.A.R.E. gives young kids the basics and teaches them to
say no when they are approached about drugs."

Buffalo Elementary Principal Janet Hackney agrees.

"Deputy Chris Booton spent 45 minutes a week for one semester with our
fifth-graders, and I'm positive they got a lot out of it," Hackney said.
"He gave them everyday knowledge they need, and he helped them develop the
ability to say no."

In addition to getting T-shirts at the graduation ceremonies, the D.A.R.E.
program students won prizes donated by the Wayne County Sheriff's
Association and Wal-Mart, including five basketball backboards, three
bicycles and riding helmets and several footballs, Hackney said.

"I'd like to see the program expanded to kindergarten and first-graders,"
she said. "I believe this program will not only have an immediate effect on
the children, but it will affect their lives long-term.

"Having spent a number of years in the middle schools, I understand that a
program like this can help kids make better decisions."

D.A.R.E. has received mixed reviews for its effectiveness, but Pennington
said he believes it's a good start for young people in Wayne County. He
also said he plans to step up enforcement since the Wayne County Commission
has increased the number of deputies in his department from 18 to 23.

"We've done some undercover work, and we plan to do some more," he said.
"People are really concerned about drug traffic in Wayne County."