On May 24, 2022, eighteen Red River Academic Academy (RRAA) students at the Springville campus earned graduation certificates for successfully completing the requirements of the DARE program. Red River Parish Sheriff’s Deputy/DARE Officer Rodrick Johnson 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 learned 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. Congratulations to essay winner Jacarvis Speed and workbook winner Lillie Harlow! In addition to those two awards, a special Dare Officer’s Award for excelling on her DARE homework assignment was presented to Lauren Babers!

During the service Principal Daniels, Sheriff Edwards, and Deputy Johnson spoke to the students about the importance of making wise decisions and the rewards associated with those good choices. They were also reminded of negative consequences associated with poor choices and the importance of using the information, skills, and tools they learned in DARE on a daily basis. As the DARE program is a team effort involving the school, law enforcement and parents, the students were encouraged to continue to turn to these three sources as part of their help networks.

It was a great year and a great class! Deputy Johnson would like to thank fifth grade teacher Mrs. Pickett as well as Principal Daniels for their support of DARE, the fifth grade students for their hard work, the parents for entrusting their children to us, and Sheriff Edwards for making the program available.

As always, Sheriff Edwards would like to thank the Red River Parish School Board and administration for allowing our department to present the DARE program and for everyone’s combined effort in making it another successful year for the students. Congratulations 2021-22 RRAA DARE class on a job well done!

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