On November 20, 2025, a DARE graduation ceremony was held in the school’s gymnasium for sixty-four Red River Elementary School (RRES) students. Sgt. Michael Longino, Deputy Irvin Raphiel Jr., and Deputy Travious Johnson 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.

Each 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 are Kaiden Hill, Ri’Miya Jones, Ava Jones, and Essence Newton. DARE essay winners are Londyn Bonner, Jerome Smith, McKinley Owens, and Chance Latson. Congratulations!

Guest speakers Sheriff Glen Edwards and Director of Instruction and Learning Mr. Mike Beck expressed how proud they were of the students’ accomplishments and challenged them to continuously use the skills and principles taught in DARE to make great decisions as they head to Junior High next year. 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 Superintendent Strong, the Red River Parish School Board, RRES 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, Mrs. Pickett, Principal Edwards, and Assistant Principal Williams as well as many others for their support and help throughout the DARE year.

Great job RRES DARE Class of 2025! Congratulations and remember to always BE SAFE & RESPONSIBLE!

Source: Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office social media