D.A.R.E TO BE DRUG FREE

Local Students Graduate From Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program

Constable Norma Francis taught the program to the students via a 10
lesson program and led the graduation ceremonies at King on June 8 to
present them with D.A.R.E. t-shirts and graduation diplomas.

"Basically, the D.A.R.E. program is a drug abuse resistance education
program that covers such topics as peer pressure and the legal,
health and social consequences of drug abuse. Although we talk about
all drugs, the main ones we discuss are tobacco, alcohol, marijuana
and inhalants," said Constable Francis.

Nelson Jackman says that the program is very interesting and that
he'll know how to handle peer pressure better in the future because
of the these lessons.

"I really enjoyed listening to the stories constable Francis told us
about her dealings with drug abusers and her explanations about drug
abuse," said Nelson.

Constable Francis, believes that if she can even reach one student
with this program then her efforts were worth while.

"I can't guarantee parents that their child/children may not face
peer pressure after completing this course or guarantee they will not
abuse drugs later in life. However, our goal is to present students
with knowledge about the legal, social and health consequences of
drug abuse. If we can reach a number of students then the program
will be well worth the effort," said constable Francis.

Shane Hickey mad a decision while he attended the lessons to not even
start smoking when he is older.

"I don't think I'm going to smoke when I get older.

I didn't realize that so many Canadians die from tobacco related
diseases each year," said Shane.

Constable Francis believes that the discussions on peer pressure are
especially important as students sometimes find themselves in
situations where they may be encouraged to use drugs by others.

"The program teaches students what to do in these situations and how
to avoid them altogether. We also hold a mock trial to give the
students some idea of what it would be like to actually appear before
a judge on drug charges," said Constable Francis.

According to Constable Francis it is important to reach students at
as early an age as possible to warn them about the dangers of drug abuse.

"This particular age group is the prime target group to talk to about
drug abuse. At their age, for example, they may be starting to
experiment with tobacco. About 45,000 Canadians die each year from
smoking related diseases. The tobacco companies are targeting youth
toward smoking as the earlier they can get them to start the sooner
they'll become addicted to nicotine. This fact applies to drugs as
well," said Constable Francis.

Constable Francis has hopes to take the program to other schools in
the Coast of Bays area in the next year.