FALUN STUDENTS TAKE DARE-ING STEP AGAINST DRUGS, ALCOHOL

The 31 Falun Schoolgraduates stretched from one end of the school gym
to the other like passengers in an airport terminal.

They weren't graduating from school, but from an innovative program
called Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

Compared to other schools, Falun students had some of the most
diverse replies in why to stop substance abuse and violence.

"Drug dealers want you to do all the bad stuff so they don't get in
trouble," said Benny Blatz.

Wanting to live to be 80, to be a farm girl, to live a whole century,
to go to other countries like Cuba, or be a teacher at Falun School
were among the numerous replies supplied by the students on stopping
substance abuse and violence.

One student was more practical. "My mother would pound me into the
ground," said a brave Emily Henschel.

By wading through pressure, both personal and the pressure caused by
family, media and peers, kids avoid getting a criminal record, said
DARE instructor Const. Richard Huculiak.

"It's awesome. It really taught them a lot and gave them a good idea
about what to say 'no' to," said parent Crystal Sekora.

Teacher Monica Robins said, "They've learned something which will
protect them throughout life."

The other graduates are Sipkje-Minke Baardaa, Travis Brittain,
Kaleigh Brown, Jenna Butt, Jesse Dammann, Ben Davis, Stefanie de
Boer, Brayden Harries, Seanna Hemmaway, Brennan Hunker, Slaton
Johnson, Max Kalser, Nicholas Lee, Melissa Miller, Tori Moonias,
Michaela Pohl, Kolly Rattray, Jonathan Ruskowsky, Laci Schmidt,
Taylor Schnell, Nina Schut, Shandelle Sekora, Kimberly Simpson, Cody
Swanson, Andrew Szameitat, Ryann Thorton, Hidde van der Kamp, Anna
Zimmerman and Jenna Roasting.