McDonald County Sheriff Deputy and DARE Instructor Bill Davenport is proud of his recent graduates.
Davenport recently lead graduation ceremonies for the Pineville Blackhawks and Noel Tigers who successfully completed Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.
Approximately 99 students in those two schools are now able to say they hope to make good decisions and lead healthy lives. Davenport estimates 300 children have successfully graduated from the program districtwide.
Davenport, who is one of four DARE instructors with the McDonald County Sheriff's Office, serves the Pineville and Noel area. Other instructors are Sheriff Mike Hall, who serves the Rocky Comfort area, Cindy Baker-Horn, who also serves the Noel area, and Zack Adamson, who serves the Southwest City and White Rock areas.
In Anderson, Police Chief Daniel Gardner and Sgt. Ashley Roberts serve as DARE instructors for Anderson Elementary School.
Instructors with DARE, a program that combines local law enforcement with local schools, help educate youngsters about the personal and social consequences of substance abuse and violence.
The DARE program consists of 10 lessons dealing with topics such as bullying, alcohol/tobacco health effects, communication, dealing with stress, and numerous other topics, Davenport said.
To successfully complete the program, students are required to have good attendance during the DARE classes, complete their workbook and write a DARE report on what they have learned and how they feel the DARE program will help them make better choices in the future, Davenport said.
"When the DARE students graduate, they each receive a certificate of graduation, a DARE T-shirt, and Bill Lant, who is our state representative, will also send each student a certificate from the Missouri State House," Davenport said.
Having that connection with the youth can affect their lives for the long-term. Davenport believes having such a program is critical.
"We hope that our students will learn to make informed choices when they make decisions in the future not only about drug abuse, but everything," Davenport said. "They are taught to use a DARE decision-making model that will help them think about choices and the consequences of each choice before they make a decision."
The DARE program also allows law enforcement officers to establish that important connection with youth.
"We also hope to have a better relationship with the kids in our community," Davenport said. "In this day (and age), it is good to have as many positive opportunities to reach out to our young people as we can have."
One essay winner wrote that DARE helped to shape good decisions.
"When I was in DARE I learned how to be safe in life. When I get older I want to help people understand what will happen if anyone makes bad decisions," the essay winner wrote. "I will never use drugs, drink or smoke because I want to use my life wisely and help people. I want to live a long happy life without trouble, cops, or anything bad."
Another essay winner said learning not to bully others -- or stand by while others are being bullied -- is a valuable lesson.
"I have learned a lot over the past few months. ... I have learned not to bully others. I've also learned not to smoke because it's bad for your lungs and can cause cancer which is bad and you can die from cancer. I have also learned to control my anger by taking deep breaths. And if I see somebody being bullied, I should report the scene to a trusted adult or teacher like Mrs. Jones," the essay winner wrote.
DARE officers remain involved throughout the year, hosting a dance for the DARE graduates, and keeping an active role in the community.
Officers raise money throughout the year for the Christmas event, "Shop With a Hero," when area children have the opportunity to shop with their local community heroes at Walmart.
DARE is a non-profit organization. Materials and training are paid for by community donations.
Anyone wishing to donate may contact the McDonald County Sheriff's Office at (417) 223-4319.
General News on 02/23/2017