D.A.R.E.: DON'T STOP TEACHING IT

Recently the Chandler Police Department is considering cutting the
D.A.R.E. program out of schools due to budget shortfalls. If D.A.R.E.
were to end it would be a devastation to the city.

I, like hundreds of other kids, will never forget the lessons D.A.R.E.
has taught me, as "just say no" is permanently embedded in my mind.
Having a D.A.R.E. program educates kids on the dangers of drugs and
alcohol in a world filled with it. It bestows upon them the courage to
say no and to stand up for what is right, as well as enables them to
trust in police officers. It gives them the tools to make good friends
and choices that will carry them through the rest of their lives.

As the previous Arizona D.A.R.E. Youth Advisory Board member, I can
attest to the impact D.A.R.E. had on not only me, but my peers and
those I taught as well. Taking the program away would be a crippling
mistake. So I hope that parents, teachers, and community members of
all ages stand up for D.A.R.E., as it is a prominent tool in the
growth and betterment of the city.

Please let the City Council and the Chandler Police Department know
that we want the D.A.R.E. program to continue in Chandler.

TEGAN HALBERG

CHANDLER BASHA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2009,

NATIONAL D.A.R.E. SCHOLARSHIP

WINNER 2009