Last Students Graduate From Dare Program
Pratt Elementary sixth-graders showed their families Tuesday how they learned to resist temptation.
They were the last kids in the Spokane School District to graduate from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, better known as DARE.
“It’s sad that next year’s sixth-graders won’t experience the program,” said 12-year-old Emily Greenslitt, one of the East Fourth school’s 54 graduates.
The $550,000-a-year program is ending so more officers can patrol the streets.
The City Council pulled the plug on DARE in budget cuts earlier this year, despite emotional protests from parents and students.
“Everyone’s disappointed,” said Officer Gordon Grant, who taught the Pratt classes.
The program has put city officers in sixth grade classrooms since 1990, teaching students the consequences of drug use and boosting self-esteem.
At the end of 17 weeks, students don black DARE T-shirts and gather in the school gymnasium for a graduation ceremony. They pledge never to use drugs and to steer clear of alcohol until they become adults.
During Tuesday’s graduation, students put on skits to show how they intend to stay away from drugs and cigarettes, and avoid stealing. Greenslitt and another student read essays praising the program.
“Officer Grant made it really fun,” Greenslitt said afterward. “I think a lot more kids will stay off drugs.”
Zane Hamilton, 12, said he wishes DARE would stick around for his younger sisters and friends.
“I’m kind of disappointed we won’t have the program,” he said. “We learned how to say no and keep our self-esteem.”
Corrina Lyghts said DARE will help her graduating daughter and an older son resist drugs and gangs. Lyghts’ 9-year-old daughter won’t be so fortunate.
“I’m just sorry that when she’s in sixth grade, they won’t have it,” Lyghts said.
Next year, the police department and school district will offer a replacement drug-education program with fewer appearances by uniformed officers.
That’s unfortunate, said Pratt Principal Jeanne Baynes, because DARE officers also make good role models.
“I think it’ll be a big loss to our kids,” she said.
, DataTimes