RUTH KING STUDENTS DARE TO SAY NO TO USING DRUGS

Ninety students from Ruth King Elementary School dared to be different.

The Grade 5 and 6 students received certificates and tee-shirts for
completing the DARE, (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program in a ceremony
before school closed for the summer last month.

"It's important to reach kids at the elementary school level," said West
Shore RCMP Const. Beth Chipperfield.

"Peer pressure to use drugs begins in junior high school. It's important to
educate kids to make the right decision about drugs and violence."

Three students from each class read essays on what they learned from the
program.

While the essays ranged from simple to surprisingly eloquent, the message
was the same; tobacco, alcohol and drugs cause serious problems.

Chipperfield said the RCMP promotes the program, which began in Los Angeles
in 1986, because it is important to promote positive role models.

The DARE program began in the West Shore at Ruth King four years ago.

"We hope to be able to reach every school on the West Shore in the future,"
Chipperfield said.

She said the program, which cost $8,000, would not have been possible
without the support of the Evening Optimists Club of Victoria, which donated
$5,000 for the 17-week program.

"It's another way of supporting youth in the community," said John McDonald,
treasurer for the Evening Optimists Club of Victoria. "That's our main
focus."

Ruth King principal Ajmare Sundher said the program epitomizes the
principles of the school.

"Ruth King Rocks," he said. "As in Respect, Responsibility, Ownership,
Cooperation, kindness and Safety."