ATHLETES IMPRESS DARE STUDENTS

GULFPORT - Athletes who rip phone books in half, break concrete blocks and
lie on a bed of nails amazed Harrison County fifth-graders Friday in a
celebration of their 10-week DARE program.

County schools bused more than 700 students to Harrison Central High for
the program, highlighted by power feats of athletes from Extreme
Motivational Communications. Sheriff's Capt. Windy Swetman said he intended
the program to be memorable so the children will remember what they learned
in weekly DARE classes.

The athletes compared the self-discipline and willpower they use to perform
such feats to what it takes to say no to drugs and alcohol, Swetman said.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program uses school resource officers
to present topics that relate to substance abuse: peer pressure, drug
facts, friendships, positive alternatives and media influence.

"The Sheriff's Department is building leaders through mentoring and
promoting a positive message," Swetman said.

Athletes from various sports sat in different areas of the gym with groups
of students to serve as role models.

An awards ceremony honored students for raising $3,800 for the March of
Dimes' work to prevent birth defects. Students learned in DARE that
substance abuse can cause premature births and other health problems,
Swetman said.

Luxury Limos, owned by Swetman, donated limo rides to the school for the
top fund-raisers.