RAFT RIVER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS DARE TO SAY "NO"

"We are so fortunate to be able to partner with the RCMP and bring
this wonderful program to our Grade 5 students," began Raft River
Elementary Principal, Deanna Brady as she introduced RCMP Const.
Darrell Sandback to those in attendance in the school gym Apr. 4.

Thirty-one students graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance
Education (DARE) program. This 10-hour course conducted over the
course of 10 weeks during school hours provides students with the
facts about drug abuse, while teaching them the value of making
healthy choices and not succumbing to peer pressure.

"What we're trying to do is help them to make healthier lifestyle
choices; their own choices," offered the officer.

This was Sandback's first year teaching the program. It was also the
first year a new, revised version has been available to the students.

Although the DARE program has been offered world-wide since the early
80's, recent changes were implemented highlighting the need to have
the students draw their own conclusions. "Less lecture time and more
student involvement," says Sandback.

Prior to receiving their graduation certificates, the students, each
proudly sporting a DARE t-shirt, performed a wide variety of skits,
songs, and recitals demonstrating their newly acquired skills in
problem solving and their knowledge of the risks one takes when
considering using alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco.

DARE also stands for Define, Assess, Respond and Evaluate.

Having an RCMP officer provide the training gives students an
excellent opportunity to speak to police one-on-one and form a
relationship "on the good side of the law," says Sandback.

"This is an incredible program," promotes SD 73 chair John Harwood.
"One we believe in, and fight to maintain funding for."

Harwood was in attendance in support of his son, who graduated Apr. 4
and took a pledge to remain drug free along with his peers.