GRADE 6S GRADUATE FROM DARE

Event Aims To Improve Youngsters' Decision-Making Skills

Last Thursday, May 23, parents, grand parents, family and friends joined
this year's Grade 6 students in the Myrtle Philip Community School gym for
DARE Graduation.

Seventy-six DARE students graduated from the program this year.

DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a drug and violence prevention
program developed by health education specialists and is delivered by
trained, uniformed police officers for a period of 17 weeks.

Throughout the 17-week program, the students learn about peer pressure,
different ways to say no, decision-making skills, consequences, influences
of media, self esteem and avoiding violence. It is the hope of the police
that the students will remember some of these skills as they grow up and
face some of the challenges during their teenage years.

The graduation was a chance for the parents to recognize the efforts that
their children have put into the program throughout the year. Each student
receives a certificate of completion and a T-shirt.

On April 24, Whistler-Blackcomb provided ski passes and rentals for DARE
Ski Day involving students, teachers and adults from the Sea to Sky
corridor. At the end of the day, cake and refreshments are provided for
everyone. The event was great fun and allowed police officers and students
to interact on a more personal level.