On December 7, 2018, DARE graduation was held at Red River Elementary School with 111 students graduating. DARE is a drug awareness program that is taught all across the United States. Students learn the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco as well as resistance strategies (how to say no).

Students also learn a decision making model that helps them make smart and responsible choices. Topics include communication skills, peer pressure, stress, and bullying along with facts and health effects of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

This year’s DARE Essay winners were Emily Morgan, Samantha Taylor, Skylar Roberson, Mason Brittain, and Amiyah Williams. DARE Officer’s Awards were presented to Kaitlyn Coffelt, Kaden Brown, Johnny Meshell, Idrevious Harville, and Riley Walsworth. After the presentation of awards, Sheriff Glen Edwards spoke to the students about the importance of making good decisions. Superintendent Alison Hughes followed with remarks which reemphasized the values taught in DARE.

On behalf of Sheriff Edwards and the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, I would like to thank the Red River Parish School Board and Administration for allowing us to teach the DARE program in the school. I would also like to thank the fifth grade teachers Sherry Pickett, Ellie Drew, Sheila Davis, Intha Fields, and Ranette Crockett-Smith. In closing, I would like to thank the fifth grade students for their hard work and dedication.

Story from Lt. Roger Longino, DARE Instructor