D.A.R.E Graduations

 The Dade County Sheriff's Department is pleased to announce that several Schools held D.A.R.E. graduations the week of November 16, 2009. The graduations were well attended at all the schools. The first graduation was held in Everton, Missouri on November 10, 2009. There was a good group of people in attendance. Community support of the D.A.R.E. program has been strong over the last 4 years. Thank you for the support of your youth and the D.A.R.E. program.

On Monday, November 16, 2009 the Greenfield Elementary School hosted a D.A.R.E. Graduation  for their students. The school did an outstanding job in support of the D.A.R.E. program. The students arrived in their new T-shirts and looked sharp. The Greenfield Elementary School presented the D.A.R.E. program to both 5th grade and 6th grade classes. It was a joy to be able to present this valuable program to these students.

The support of the D.A.R.E. program began 4 years ago in the Greenfield R-IV School District. Superintendent Mr. David Hardiage was the first to see the value of the D.A.R.E. program. His support enabled the D.A.R.E. program to get started in Dade County. Superintendent Cheryl Mack continued with her support adding the Junior High program in the School year of 2008-2009. The Junior High D.A.R.E. program is now presented in Dade County Schools. Principle Cheri Walters and Counselor Becky Landers with the 5th and 6th grade teachers supported the D.A.R.E. program. I thank them for their efforts and support.

On November 17, 2009 the Immanuel Lutheran School hosted a D.A.R.E. graduation for their students. The support of the Church Pastor, School Staff, and parents has been a wonderful experience. Mrs. McClain the School principle contacted the Dade County Sheriff Steven Stapp requesting that the D.A.R.E. program be presented in their School. The Immanuel Lutheran School was the first School in Dade County is see the benefit of the Junior High D.A.R.E. program and offer the D.A.R.E. Junior High program to their students. I have been blessed to watch with excitement the development of the students in the D.A.R.E. program the last 4 years. Thank you Immanuel Lutheran for allowing the D.A.R.E. program in the school and for your support.

On November 19, 2009 the Dadeville School hosted a D.A.R.E. graduation for their students. The D.A.R.E. program has enjoyed a great relationship with this School District over the last 4 years. Superintendent Nancy Brannon began the program when money was difficult to find.

Superintendent Brannon was resourceful and the money for the D.A.R.E. program was raised. Superintendent Matt Busche has continued the program in financially difficult times. In addition to this, Superintendent Busche has added the D.A.R.E. Junior High program to the students of this School District. Mrs. Glenn has given up some of her instruction time to allow the D.A.R.E. program into the School District. I am thankful for the  support of the School staff, Teachers, and parents of the Dadeville R-II School District.

The next D.A.R.E. Graduation was held on November 23, 2009 at the Lockwood Middle School. The D.A.R.E. graduation began at 7:00 p.m. with a panel of ask the experts to following the graduation ceremonies. I look forward to reporting a great time of learning and sharing in the far reaching affects of Drug misuse in our communities.

The Dade County Sheriff's Office has enjoyed tremendous support from our School Districts, students, parents, and grandparents in the presentation of the D.A.R.E. program. The benefit of the D.A.R.E. program is displayed in the essays our students have written and the quality of life they will enjoy by making wise life choices. The D.A.R.E. program is not a one man show but, a team effort to benefit those who will lead our communities in the future. Thank you Sheriff Stapp, School Superintendents, Teachers, School Counselors, parents, and grandparents for your vision for the future by investing in the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow for a drug free America.

Editor’s Note: The Vedette will be publishing more D.A.R.E. graduation pictures.