More than 225 Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders graduated from the 2020-2021 DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program on June 1.

The DARE program, coordinated by Butler County Sheriff’s Office and brought to the school by Deputy Bryce Foreback and Deputy Anthony Sawl, teaches students how to say “no” as well as how to recognize risk, value their perceptions and feelings, and make good choices. DARE 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 Jade Breese, Emily Chadwick, Gemma Fratto, Hannah Hart, Sarah Lahlou, Levi Mandel, Olivia Paugh, Reese Polito, Caitlyn Racchini and Emma Wagner; second place winners are Sarah Cordray, Reanna Kolarcik-Schmitt, Alina Kraly, Torrin O’Leary, Harper Pulling, Grace Rhenish, Lauren Rozman, Ava Sommerville, Brayden Teyssier and Roman Trombulak; and, third place winners are Evan Connolly, Savannah Druga, Charlotte Forcht, Raegan Graham, Gianna Nicotra, Max Pitkins, Sydney Truver, Mia Van Meter, Elise Wadas and Tyler Whitling,

Fifth-grader Emma Wagner was selected as the overall winner and read her DARE essay during the ceremony. For more information, call (724) 625-2601.