D.A.R.E.ING TO BE DRUG FREE

There are graduation ceremonies happening this week. And while they're not
academic in nature, at least in the traditional sense, they're very
important.

D.A.R.E. graduations are taking place all across Covington County, and we
could not be prouder of the students who are taking the pledge to be drug
and alcohol free.

D.A.R.E., which stands for drug abuse resistance education, is a national
program aimed at youngsters informing them of the dangers of drugs, tobacco,
and alcohol. In Covington County, the Sheriff's Department sponsors the
program, and Deputy Joe Schneider leads the bright-eyed students in their
lessons.

But the program serves a higher purpose, and according to Sheriff Anthony
Clark, if just one kid says "no" to drugs, then something has been
accomplished.

And we couldn't agree more.

There is no denying the drug problem in Covington County. But, with programs
like D.A.R.E. in place, we can only hope that problem will eventually
subside.

Who knows, maybe if D.A.R.E. had been in place when we were in school, then
the drug problem wouldn't be where it is now.

We also understand that one of the biggest factors facing children is peer
pressure.

D.A.R.E. addresses that peer pressure and teaches kids how to handle it. It
gives them the knowledge to know why to say "no."

But without support, D.A.R.E. could end, and that's something we don't want
to see happen.

We encourage everyone to contact their local school and find out if a
D.A.R.E. program is in place. If not, ask how one can be started.

Contact your local county commissioner, city councilman, legislator, sheriff
- - tell them you want D.A.R.E. to continue or started.

Check out the facts for yourself at www.dare-america.com, and see why
D.A.R.E. is so important.

Go ahead, we dare you.