The fifth grade students at HRMS participated in the DARE graduation on Monday, March 8, 2010, in the school’s multi-purpose room.  SRO Stephen Turner gave an overview history of the DARE program which began in Los Angeles in 1983.   DARE, the Define, Assess, Respond, and Evaluate model is the DARE decision making model that was taught to help these fifth graders develop the life skills to live a drug and violent free life.

Sheriff Dan Smith spoke to the students and praised their efforts and diligent work in this program.  He thanked the parents and students for their participation in the program and encouraged the students to continue to make wise choices in the future.  He stressed how these students are the future of Patrick County.

The audience saw the video from Rich Hill that describes the cost of a carton of beer.  Mr. Hill’s son was the victim of an accident where a drunk driver was on the road and unable to maintain control of his vehicle.  The Cost of a carton of beer is greater than one can imagine.

Several students shared their winning essays.  Reading their DARE essays on the harms of drugs and their commitments to be drug and violent free were:  Isabella Glenn, Alyson Nelson, Tiffany Hooker, Reagan Adams, Kristina Wade, Hannah Newcomb, Breanna Thompson and Chase Cutchins.

Sheriff Smith presented the DARE certificates and SRO Turner and SRO Linda Martin presented DARE awareness kits to all students participating.

The following students participated in the program:

Reagan Adams                  Tristin Burkes                     Casey Campbell             Gracie Cisneros

David Cassell                      Sydnee Burnette             Thomas Coleman             Sean Flannagan

Steven Glenn                    Tiffany Hooker                  Kaitlin Nehring                  Alyson Nelson

Karli Ratliff                          Kaelyn Thompson            Cynthia Ubando               Kristina Wade

Matthew Nowlin              Brandon Mitchell             Carley Letchworth               TyShae Harris

Richard Hagwood             Chase Cutchins                 Della Cole                          Isabella Glenn

Hannah Newcomb          Hannah Miller                    Hannah Ray                        Janelly Rodriguez

Valerie Shough                 Breanna Thompson

Congratulations to all the fifth graders at HRMS!