Grade 5 students from both École Innisfail Middle School and École St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program last week, more commonly known as DARE.
“There’s a misconception that it’s just about drugs, but it’s more than that,” said Cont. Rick Buisseret, dressed in his red serge, and presenting the graduation ceremony in the middle school gymnasium Nov. 29.
Buisseret ran the program with teachers for the last 10 weeks. While he focused on teaching children about drugs he also spoke about decision-making and problem-solving skills as well as offering alternatives to drugs.
The program is meant to give kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs and violence, while also establishing a healthy relationship with police officers.
“Some of you kids are already stronger than a bunch of adults,” said Red Deer County councillor Penny Archibald, who was also representing Chinook’s Edge School Board.
“You know how to say no.”
Mayor Jim Romane also spoke to the children and reminded them to use DARE as a tool to start them in the right direction.
“You’ve had good experience, so take it and you’ll grow,” said Paul Stewart, associate superintendent for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.
