D.A.R.E. TO SAY NO

25 Ruth Hooker students celebrate their graduation from drug awareness
program

Selkirk Journal - Const. Rhonda Seitz of the Selkirk RCMP detachment
likes to dare children to say no to drugs and seek healthy
alternatives for recreational activities.

Seitz was at Ruth Hooker School on June 14, 2004 to celebrate the
graduation of all 25 students who participated in the Drug Abuse
Resistance Education program or DARE.

There was no shortage of pride at the grad. Beaming parents, impressed
administrators and special guests, including Lord Selkirk School
Division Superintendent Gail Bagnall and members of the RCMP were in
attendance to show their support for the program.

The program was delivered to Grade 5 students at four schools in the
school division. With full parental support, all of the Grade 5
children of Ruth Hooker School were able to participate.

In case the parents had concerns, Seitz ran an information evening to
address questions and also invited parents to attend any or all of the
17 weeks of classes. The children have work to do and must attend all
the classes. At the beginning of the program, they sign a contract
that they must abide by.

While two of the classes were "snow days," these ambitious students
managed to pack the program in, learning how and why to say no to drugs.

Smoking and alcohol were also discussed as addictions and addressed as
lifestyle choices for adults.

Participation in violent incidences, lack of attendance or involvement
with drugs all result in an automatic failure.

Drug abuse is not a serious Selkirk problem in Selkirk but she
acknowledged they could be found in the Catfish Capital.

Seitz has been teaching the class for four years and loves it.

Originally from Brandon, she came to Selkirk six years ago and calls
it home.

She enjoys seeing the children after hours and says that they always
react positively to her.

A special box is created for children to write confidential concerns
to the peace officer.

Seitz avoids personal issues with the class, preferring to speak to
the children after hours to deal with sensitive questions.

For Seitz, the graduation is a big deal. Not all children graduate,
but the Ruth Hooker program saw a 100 percent success rate.

At the graduation, eight of the students presented their essays, which
held a promise to lead a healthy drug free lifestyle.

"I want to live as long as I can," declared Jamie-Lee McKay at the
conclusion of her essay; a poignant reason to avoid a substance-abuse
lifestyle.

Seitz thanked the RCMP for allowing her the time on her own shift to
teach the course.

She was grateful to the school for inviting her to present the
program, grateful to the division and very appreciative of the parents
who supported DARE.