On January 23, 2025, a DARE graduation ceremony was held for a combined ninety students from Red River Elementary School (RRES) and Red River Academic Academy (RRAA). Sgt. Michael Longino, Deputy Irvin Raphiel Jr., Deputy Travious Johnson, and Detective Tamara George-Walker 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 learned the 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 Kennidie Bonner, Alex Palmer, Abigail Price, and Kylie Williams. DARE essay winners were Jayla Keith, Allie Kellogg, Brooklyn Reeves, and Lilly Thomas. Congratulations!

Guest speakers Sheriff Glen Edwards, School Superintendent Alison Strong, and Mayor Ashanti Cole expressed how proud they were of the students’ accomplishments and reminded them that their futures are bright. Going forward, they were challenged to use the skills and principles taught in DARE to make great decisions in this ever-changing world. They were also encouraged to remember that the school, law enforcement, town leadership, and their families are available resources to help them be safe and successful. Each speaker also recognized the many parents and guests in attendance and thanked them for their support of the students and the DARE program.

As always, Sheriff Edwards would like to thank the Red River Parish School Board, RRES and RRAA faculty/administration, parents, and each DARE Officer for working with all involved to ensure another successful year for our DARE students.

A special thank you also goes to fifth grade teachers Mrs. Borders, Ms. Inman, Mrs. Moore, and Mrs. Pickett as well as countless others for their support and help throughout the DARE year.
Great job RRES and RRAA DARE Class of 2024-25! Congratulations…and remember to BE SAFE & RESPONSIBLE!

Shared by Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office