On January 31, 2023, sixty-three Red River Elementary School (RRES) students were presented graduation certificates for successfully completing the requirements of the DARE program. Sgt. Michael Longino and Detective Tamara George-Walker, both of the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, led the ceremony.

DARE, which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is 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 four-step DARE Decision Making Model which is designed to help them make safe and responsible choices throughout their lives.

While all the students put forth great effort, 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 Jaxon Blount, McKinley Grigg, and Logan Lindsey. DARE essay winners were Cooper Dubois, Branson Williamson, and Torah Smith. Great job everyone!

Dare Officers Longino and George-Walker, Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards, Red River Parish School Superintendent Alison Strong, and RRES Principal Mike Beck reinforced several DARE principles during their remarks to graduates and guests. The students were challenged to remember and utilize the skills and decision making model they learned in DARE as they look toward the future and soon head off to Junior High School.

Sheriff Edwards would like to congratulate the graduates and thank the Red River Parish School Board, RRES faculty/administration, Sgt. Longino, and Detective George-Walker for working together to ensure another successful year for our DARE students!

Sgt. Longino and Detective George-Walker would like to thank fifth grade teachers Brittany Borders, Kayla Terrell, and Meagan Inman as well as Counselor Crystal Williams and countless others for their support and help throughout the DARE year. They would also like to express their thanks to the fifth grade students for their hard work and to the parents for entrusting their children to us!

Great job RRES DARE Class of 2022-23! Remember…BE SAFE & RESPONSIBLE!

DARE Essay winners (l/r) Cooper Dubois, Branson Williamson, and Torah Smith pictured with Sheriff Edwards, Sgt. Longino, and Detective George-Walker

DARE workbook winners (l/r) Jaxon Blount, McKinley Grigg, and Logan Lindsey pictured with Sheriff Edwards, Sgt. Longino, and Detective George-Walker

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