More than 265 Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders graduated from the 2018-2019 DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program on Dec. 18.

 

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.

 

“We talk about risk and consequences. We talk about stress. We talk about bullying,” said Deputy Sheriff Bret Vulakovich, who along with Deputy Sheriff Darah Danner and Deputy Sheriff Rachel Sporrer, coordinated the DARE program at the school. “It is so cool to see the kids take a concept in their brains and start implementing it,” he said.

 

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 Jake Cooper, Mia Cunningham, Arden Flynn, Elizabeth Kelly, Jacob Nymberg, Addison Orenowsky, Taylor Orosz, Madalyn Osterman, Mikayla Ostermann, Isabel Radens and Ryan Strong; second place winners are Laney Bowes, Alexis Cashdollar, Sydney Denk, Gabriella Gage, Hailey Grace, Madeline James, Chase Lamm, Keira Matheis, Kathryn Mueller, Joey Santa and Conner Summit; and third place winners are Sabine Bowser, Sophia Carr, Matthew Fenio, Ella Hanlon, Hannah Lipchin, Kaylie McCurdy, Lily Rupp, Lexi Schlegel, William Suppa, Addy Vargo and Colton Wearing.

 

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