197 5th graders from Miami Trace Elementary School participated in and graduated from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program
On Friday May 24th, Fayette County Sherriff, Vernon Stanforth and several deputies were in attendance to award graduating students with a certificate and words of wisdom. Stanforth reminded students to always listen to their parents and make good decisions, “what a great opportunity for you to be able to come to this building [the middle school], after this summer this building is yours to learn in and grow.”
In addition to drug awareness and education D.A.R.E sponsors an essay contest for every 4th grade student. The essay topic is “What does D.A.R.E mean to you?” Four students were named from each class as semi-finalists. Each of these students received a ribbon and McDonalds coupons.
Two finalists were chosen as overall winners in the essay contest. Second place winner, Grace Greene, won a television. First place winner, Lilly Litteral, won a tablet and Google Play gift card. All prizes were courtesy of Washington Court House McDonalds, Nick Epifano.
The D.A.R.E Program was introduced in 1994 by the Fayette County Sherriff’s department and Miami Trace School District. According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department website D.A.R.E is funded by community donations, fundraisers, and government grants. The fifth grade core education program has reached nearly 2,500 students since its launch.
