More than 245 Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders graduated from the 2019-2020 DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program on Dec. 20.

 

Sgt. Harry Callithen, Deputy Sheriff Bryce Foreback and Deputy Sheriff Bret Vulakovich of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office brought the DARE program to the Centennial School this year.

 

DARE teaches students how to say “no” as well as how to` recognize risk, value their perceptions and feelings, and make good choices. The program prepares students to act decisively, confidently and comfortably in difficult situations. As part of the program, fifth-graders are asked to complete assignments; to write an essay about what they have learned; and to take a pledge to remain drug free.

 

At the DARE graduation ceremony, awards were presented for the top essays in each classroom. First place winners are Mya Spadafore, Nathaniel Davison, Jordyn Mandel, Lexi James, Alayna Renton, Brynn Williams, Abigail Soni, Allie Walukiewicz, Lexi Whitling and Charlotte Miller; second place winners are Elaina Riegler, Gabby Rossi, Christine Graeff, Jameson Dickman, Jackson Geiger, Clara Lukasiak, Cassandra Pistner, Abbey Costa, Lucy Balazs and Mathew Myers; and third place winners are Nova Elder, Hannah Utz, Bella Martini, Audrey Sarvey, Violet McKinney, Sara Myers, Emma Ladesic, Evelyn Guntang, Keira Raishart and Nate Deglau.

 

Fifth-grader Jordyn Mandel was selected as the overall winner and read her DARE essay during the ceremony. For details, call (724) 625-2601.