Oskaloosa 5th Graders graduate from DARE

Lt. McClun with Nash and Lt. Alexander present Oskaloosa 5th graders with their DARE diplomas

Area 5th graders participating in the DARE program graduated with cake and punch and their diplomas.

Lt. Craig Alexander said of the most recent graduating class “The last four classes were very enjoyable and represented the Elementary School very well, demonstrating the six pillars of character counts. These students have a bright future and will make Oskaloosa proud. I would like to thank the school district for allowing DARE to be taught in the school.”

“DARE has been taught in Oskaloosa since 1987 with many updates and changes. It is taught to all 5th grade students. DARE focuses on the three gateway drugs, alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. The program gives them some tools to help resist peer pressure to start using drugs and it also helps to develop a relationship with the students (Priceless.) I have been teaching DARE since 1990.” Alexander said of Oskaloosa’s continued program.

“Last year I started teaching a middle school DARE program, “keep’n it real”. It will be taught to all 6th grade students after the Christmas break.” Lt. Alexander stated

Alexander finished by saying, “It takes a community to help these kids to continue to grow and make wise choices. The DARE program is just a small piece of this process.”

If you want more information on DARE you can visit their site HERE. http://www.dare.com/home/default.asp

I also want to thank Lt. Alexander for taking the time to answer some questions.