DARE Students Just Say "No!"

St. Andrew's school students know just what to say when asked to
experiment or take drugs.

No!

The two Grade 6 classes celebrated their Drug Abuse Resistance
Education graduation May 8.

Principal Marc Lamoureux opened the ceremonies by congratulating the
grads and thanking the High Prairie RCMP constables who taught the
program.

"It's our hope here at St. Andrew's this program will help you," he
said. "Please use these skills to be resistant to drugs and alcohol."

The DARE program involved 16 class sessions teaching students the
skills to make informed and intelligent choices about drugs. They
learned how drugs affects the lives and minds of society, sources and
influences of drugs, peer pressure and how to say no.

Each class performed a short skit. The 6B class showed the power of
numbers in saying no to the temptation of drugs while the 6A class
showed it is easier to stay out of trouble rather than get in and out
of trouble.

S/Sgt. Dan McNaughton praised the graduating students and thanked the
school for allowing the DARE program to be taught in the school. He
said one of the most important things was for students to learn how to
look after each other.

"Friends will look to you for help and strength," he said. "If there
is a situation that is uncomfortable, talk to your friends."

Two students read essays to help drive home the point. Alyssa Backs
told the audience she learned it is important to say no.

"It's cool to say yes but not all the time," she read.

"I know I will never do drugs," she said. "Just say
no.

"DARE is an awesome program. I'm glad we went through
it."

Christian Collett said if challenged to take drugs he would decline
because to stay healthy meant taking no drugs.

"Life is short," he said. "Why make it shorter?"

High Prairie Mayor John Brodrick attended and told the students about
his experiences when he smoked. He said at today's prices he would
have spent $189,000 on cigarettes during the 35 years he smoked. He
told students this was his tenth year smoke-free.

DARE certificates were presented to each student. Cory Shaw and Kyle
Noecker were then presented with the DARE student of the year award
although Noecker was absent.

Const. Tamara Dreaddy concluded the evening by addressing the students
and school. She thanked the school for enduring the change in DARE
instructors halfway through the program adding both staff and students
were very understanding.

Major sponsors, the High Prairie Elks and Royal Purple, were also
recognized for their sponsorship.