Blackfoot Valley Dispatch - The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980

Lewis and Clark County Deputy Sheriff James Turpin and Deputy Robert Rivera joined Lincoln fifth graders for their D.A.R.E. Graduation at the Lincoln School Wednesday, May 19.

Turpin has taught DARE - Drug Abuse Resistance Education - at Lincoln School for around ten years. He comes to Lincoln each fall and presents short lessons to2nd through 4th graders, and a complete hour-per-week program to the 5th grade.

The main educational program targets fifth graders and helps give them skills to resist drugs, bullying and other harmful substances, and how to build a network of people who can help them in bad situations. These skills are helpful in creating a positive outlook for life.

One of the requirements for graduation from the DARE program is to write an essay with all the components of each lesson. Two students are chosen to be winners of a top award by the content and presentation of their essay. These two get a medal and the right to read their essay at graduation.

Courtesy Stacey Mannix

This year's winners were Ryleigh Dailey and Hunter Sherrill. We would like to congratulate them both for a job well done, along with the rest of Mrs. Mannix's class for completing the program.

Ryleigh read her essay with pride to a room full of parents, grandparents, and visitors at the graduation Wednesday. Hunter unfortunately was absent that day.

These two students, along with their classmates, were told about the DARE camp in Elliston, Aug. 2-6 they are invited to. free of charge. All the fifth graders received a packet to fill out for attendance and were very excited about the invitation.

We would like to thank everyone who came to the presentation and the Lewis and Clark Sherriff Department for presenting this program and for being a positive influence in our school.