DARE-ING STUDENTS

Dugald Students Learn To Say 'No'

Beausejour Review - The cameras were flashing and the video cameras
were rolling as proud parents and staff gathered to celebrate the
Class of 2004 at Ecole Dugald School last week.

The Feb.23 ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 40, Grade 6
students who took part in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program

Taught by Const. Rosanne Ross of the Oakbank RCMP detachment, DARE is
a 17-week program that encourages young people to avoid drugs, alcohol
and violence.

Through discussion groups, role-playing and brainstorming activities,
DARE teaches students about the consequences of drugs, alcohol and
tobacco and gives them the skills and self-confidence to say no to
dangerous situations.

First developed in Los Angeles in 1983, this is the second year the
program has been taught in Ecole Dugald School.

"It's an excellent opportunity for the kids to do some thinking about
issues they're confronted with daily," principal Marg Janssen said.

In addition to teaching skills necessary to say no to drugs and
alcohol, the program also gives officers like Ross a chance to
interact with the kids in a fun and relaxed environment.

"I enjoy learning who the kids are in positive manner," Ross
said.

That positive interaction is something Janssen said carries on long
after the program has ended.

"She's had a resounding impact on the Grade 7s," Janssen said about
Ross' continuing impact on last year's DARE students.

"Our kids are very concerned about not wanting to let Const. Ross down
in anyway."

And if students like Brendan Robertson are any indication, Ross and
the DARE program will continue to influence the latest group of grads.

"The DARE program gives us the ability to make the right choice,"
Robertson told the crowd.