DARE PROGRAM RESOUNDING SUCCESS WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Congratulations to the Grade 5 and 6 class at Ashcroft elementary as
well as the Grade 5 and the Grade 5 and 6 class at Cache Creek
elementary for completing the DARE program.

DARE goes beyond the traditional drug abuse and violence prevention
programs. It gives children the skills needed to recognize the
pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved
in gang or other violent activities.

We learn about making healthy choices for our bodies and our life and
how to help others if they struggle with these choices.

This was also an opportunity for the youth and RCMP to build a
positive relationship and to work together, opening lines of
communication.

Our graduation ceremonies were held June 16 and June 17 and we had
many special guests I want to thank for supporting the program and
these students: Mayor John Ranta, Fraser-Nicola MLA Harry Lali,
Ashcroft Coun. Alice Dirksen and Ashcroft school trustee Chris Roden.

All of you assisted in making this a great celebration and I know the
students were pleased and appreciated you took the time out of your
busy schedules to acknowledge a special day.

A special thank you to Ashcroft principal Teresa Downs, Ms. Woodcock
as well as Cache Creek principal Shirlee Johnson, Ms. Moore and Ms.
Hill for your support of the program.

Your time and effort made the program rewarding and successful for all
of us.

Thank you also to Journal editor Wendy Coomber, who took the time to
photograph our students - I know the students were very pleased to
appear in the local paper.

I have enjoyed my time teaching DARE this year and look forward to
seeing my students put what they learned into practice in their lives.

Help support them with this in leading by example, making healthy
choices in your own life.

RCMP Const. Jillian Roberts