STUDENTS PLEDGE TO BE DRUG-FREE

Sixth Graders at Columbian Elementary reached a milestone Thursday
night as they graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or
D.A.R.E, program.

Principal Tony Rossetti welcomed the parents and students to the
graduation, which would be the "final lesson."

"These students have reached a point in their lives where they will
have greater freedom and greater responsibility, and we want to
prepare them to make good decisions," he said.

Patrolman Kevin Provins, of the Carthage Police Department, teaches
the class to area sixth graders. He described the program as a
confidence builder for kids. "We talk about what drugs are, how to say
no and feel good about who they are," he said

The goal of the program is to help kids realize they are never alone
in their decisions. It can be family, friends, or teachers who can
help them and support them. "We can be strong together," Provins explained.

The message seems to have a reaction with kids.

"If you choose to live life fully, it will give you a high more than
any drugs," said one student.

It was announced that the D.A.R.E. choir will perform the national
anthem for the Kansas City Royals on April 25. Tickets cost $10 and
are available through D.A.R.E. choir members or by contacting Steadley
Elementary at 359-7065.

Provins teaches other courses to the kids throughout their student
lives. Beginning in first grade there is a safety course, a Vega class
in fifth grade, and D.A.R.E. in sixth and eighth grades. "We talked a
little bit about this in the Vega class," Provins continued. "You can
be a bright and shining star if you make wise choices, or you can burn
out if not. This night is about the choice to be drug free." Students
complete a workbook, commit to being drug free, and write an essay
about the course.

The essays give students a chance to write down their feelings in a
medium that is not right or wrong. That's where the real, unscripted
honesty comes out. Students confess to not realizing the dangers of
drugs, the harm they can do, or the accessibility to them.

Cody Williams wrote, "I've learned to get out of a situation without
being hurt. I didn't realize what a bad world it is out there."

Crystal Buman wrote, "I think knowing the effects will keep me
drug-free. If you know what the dangers are, you're more likely to
stay away. I commit to controlling my own life, not letting drugs
control it."

Whitney Triplett wrote, "I feel confident now. I learned how to pick
friends. It's important to be confident. I can look them in the eye,
say no, give a reason, and walk away."

Students received certificates for completing the class.

In what Provins called the final lesson, he addressed the parents.
"It's the things you teach them in your day to day life, the choices
you make in front of your kids, that will ultimately keep them drug-free."

Rossetti said it goes back to what school is all about: learning to be
successful. "This program can only go so far. It needs someone who can
bring that message to our kids. Thanks to officer Provins for taking
the time to teach this to our children. Parents, help support your
kids to make good decisions."