New Providence 5th-Graders Complete 10-Week Anti-Drug, Anti-Bullying Program

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ — Four Salt Brook Elementary School fifth-graders were selected to read their reflection essays at a graduation ceremony marking the completion of the L.E.A.D. program, a 10-week initiative teaching students how to resist drugs, prevent cyberbullying and stand against violence.

Sgt. Michael Carlino selected one essay winner from each participating class. The honorees were Noor Bhandari (Ms. Cappucci's class), Mahima Varthakavi (Mrs. Demareski's class), Han Zheng (Ms. Marciano and Mrs. Garcia's class), and Ethan Mao (Mr. Vopal's class).

The graduation marked the end of a program that the New Providence Police Department described as focused on building a safer community through skill-building and reflection.

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