Fostering Positive Alternatives to Drugs

The grounds of School Number 8 was filled with delighted students Tuesday, all present to celebrate their graduation from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.

According to its official website, DARE is a “highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence.” Implemented in schools worldwide, the program is a series of 10 sessions, with local police officers as instructors.

“Today we’re having this fun day as the sixth graders’ graduation,” said DARE officer Det. Steven Linfante. “So there’s a lot of activities for them. Everyone will also receive a certificate. Around 340 sixth graders from all of the Belleville schools are here today.”

“The students learn so much from this program,” adds Flora Giaimo, a teacher from School Number 7. “The officers come right into the classrooms and teach the students. It’s very positive. And the officers are all wonderful. Now you can see them (students) helping out in cleaning up…it’s something they learn from this education.”

Parent Denise Corbo agreed, saying, “The whole thing is to keep them away from drugs and alcohol. It’s geared towards teaching them not to do that.” The wife of Lt. Gerard Corbo, Denise says her kids grew up knowing not to do drugs and to stay out of trouble.

“So hopefully, it continues,” she added.

Her son, Gerard Corbo, one of the sixth graders graduating from DARE, said, “We learn about safety and to stay away from drugs and all that. We learn that you have to be careful. Don’t take alcohol. Be careful who you are with, make sure there’s no drugs in the area. It’s very good. It’s fun.”

Another DARE participant, Leslie Wilson, added, “DARE informs us of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol on our bodies. And the activities help us move our bodies and be healthy.”

Classmates Han Tri, Tajah Manu, Leslie Reyes, Aliyah Moore and Kaylee Molinari all agreed the program is a great way of informing students like them about the positive alternatives to drugs and alcohol.

Asked what he thinks DARE does for the community, Gerard Corbo replies, “It fosters safety. It helps us to grow up and learn how to encourage other people.”

Belleville police officers, teachers and parents were present to support the activity, while high school volunteers helped serve food to the graduating students.