DARE GRADUATES 140 WITH THE PROMISE OF DRUG-FREE FUTURE

While some may question DARE's long-term effectiveness, no one can dispute
the vitality that filled Fulton High School gymnasium Monday night as 140
local fifth-graders vowed verbally to live their lives drug- and alcohol-free.

As the students yelled in unison, "I want to live drug-free," those
attending the 18th annual D.A.R.E. graduation applauded their efforts.

"Hearing the students make that commitment is the best part of this
program," said Maj. Roger Rice, one of two DARE officers with the Fulton
Police Department. "And having the parents thank us for continuing the
program makes it that much more special."

Since 1989, the Fulton Police Department has sponsored the D.A.R.E. program
- - which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

Over a 10-week period, the program addresses the risks and consequences of
drug and alcohol use, plus teaches students how to recognize and resist
peer pressure.

"Oftentimes, I'm asked if I think the program is working or if think the
kids are listening, and overall my answer is yes.

"But then I tell them that though DARE has made a tremendous difference,
more education is always needed."

Since 1990 - due to preventative programs like DARE - Rice said tobacco use
among young people has dropped 19.5 percent and the use of marijuana has
dropped by 18.1 percent, but alcohol use is still at an all-time high.

"Alcohol is the drug of choice among young people, mainly because it's
cheap, easy to get and our society has a lax attitude that it's no big
deal," Rice explained. "This is where the parents and community come in.
The program alone can't save these kids. We all have to work together."

According to Rice, the community already has began to take charge.

"When the federal government rerouted the money from drug education to
Homeland Security, the city agreed to pick up the tab because they believed
in the program," he said. "And because of that we are very fortunate."

But the most fortunate ones, he said, are the students.

"Taking DARE has taught me a lot," said 11-year-old Zachary Attebery, a
fifth-grader at Bush Accelerated School. "Because of what I learned, I
never plan to use drugs or drink."