Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders graduated from the 2022-2023 DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program on March 16.

The DARE program, coordinated by Butler County Sheriff’s Office and brought to the school by Deputy Bryce Foreback and Deputy Eddie McGrady, 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 Avery Babeo, Breeanna Deglau, Malin Farnham, Brendan Fedorchak, Maddalena Fox, Ally Franck, Nathan Kramer, Ryan Linn, Rebecca McGrath, Lydia Sokolak and Leah Trosa; second place winners are Lola Ayers, Sophia Barbeau, Aila Dickson, Hunter Hein, Aubrey Hunt, Avery Irwin, Mia LeBlanc, Colton McKotch, Tory Murray, Reese Sander and Molly Yurisinec; and, third place winners are Dominic Bernini, Elisia Depaoli, Madeleine Garraux, Owen Gulnac, Emerson Halenda, Finnley Heim, Abigail Phillips, Declan Powell, Alexander Schuster, Emerson Whitling and Chloe Zwigart.

Fifth-grader Nathan Kramer was selected as the overall winner and his DARE essay was read during the ceremony.

For details, call (724) 625-2601.