Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders graduated from the 2025-2026 DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program on April 17.

The DARE program, coordinated by Butler County Sheriff’s Office and brought to the school by Deputy Dave Findley 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.

Fifth-grader Dyani Martinez was selected as the overall winner and read her DARE essay during the ceremony. First place winners are Aria Barlak, T.J. Black, Colette Boy, Talia Carraba, Evalyn Foringer, John Karatinos, Kingsley Phillips, Mariah Phillips, Maddie Polivka, Mila Roberman and Anastasia Trombulak; second place winners are Thea Baker, Layla Carlino, Dominic Celender, Jolene Eisenhauer, Hadley Fonzi, Kendall Fonzi, Grant Kelly, Harley Kmoch, Beatrix Norman, Vinny Piccirilli, Jordan Sottile and Austin Vermeulen; and, third place winners are Jose Cruz, Quin Jakubovic, Kacie Livingston, Blake Minman, Ella Norge, Max Raybuck, Evan Renner, William Tucci, Norah Toomey, Ashlynd Warba, Charlie Xuan and Evie Zalenchak.

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