More than 260 Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders graduated from the 2021-2022 DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program on Dec. 20.

The DARE program, coordinated by Butler County Sheriff’s Office and brought to the school by Deputy Bryce Foreback and Deputy Harry Calithen, 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 Annabelle Dickman, Ella George, Madeline Gibson, Jackson Graham, Monica Grunden, Alexis Harrington, Avery Harrison, Allison Sottile, Addison Wick and Tumaris Yalkun; second place winners are Elle Cheponis, Londyn Denk, Neva Jaynes, Elin Johnson, Maya Keller, Kinley Manges, Briana McGlone, Olivia McKinney, Ava Miller and Lucy Tate; and, third place winners are Claire Bartolick, Cadence Clarke, Brindle Juliano, Michaela Gogolin, Lauren Golebiewski, Elise Heil, Meredith Lindsay, Daniel Matz, Aubrey Tenos and Alaina Vargo.

Fifth-grader Tumaris Yalkun was selected as the overall winner and read her DARE essay during the ceremony.

For details, call (724) 625-2601.