On February 24, 2022, seventy Red River Elementary School (RRES) students were presented graduation certificates for successfully completing the requirements of the DARE program. Red River Parish Sheriff’s Deputy/DARE Officer Michael Longino officiated the ceremony.

DARE, which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a program designed to teach students the dangers of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco as well as “how to say no” using DARE’s five resistance strategies. Topics covered include communication skills, peer pressure, stress and bullying along with facts and health effects of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Students also learn the DARE Decision Making Model which is designed to help them make safe and responsible choices throughout their lives.

While all the students did a great job, every year one member of each fifth grade class is selected as a workbook winner while another is recognized for writing the best DARE essay. This year’s workbook winners were Alex McDonald, Josiah Calhoun, Nevaeh Johnson and Maricela Lee. DARE essay winners were Alyssa Young, Hannah Griffith, Kindall Speed and Kaylee Kijanski. Great job everyone!

During the service Dare Officer Longino (on behalf of Sheriff Edwards) and Red River Parish School Superintendent Alison Strong reinforced several DARE principles such as making wise decisions, setting a good example, being responsible and being a role model for others.

Sheriff Edwards, who was out of town and unable to attend the ceremony, would like to congratulate this year’s graduates! He would also like to thank the Red River Parish School Board, RRES faculty/administration and Deputy Longino for working together to ensure that the DARE program was made available and successfully completed.

Deputy Longino would like to thank fifth grade teachers Brittany Borders, Cassandra Hinds and Meagan Inman as well as Counselor Crystal Williams for their continued support. He would also like to express his thanks to the fifth grade students for their hard work and dedication and to the parents for entrusting their children to us!

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