D.A.R.E. Program Getting Under Way Once Again

You’ve likely seen that tricked-out 2007 Hummer H2 around town.  You know, the one with “D.A.R.E.” on it and Office Don Poney behind the wheel.

Strongsville students have certainly seen his ride and hundreds know all about the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.  Each year, 6th and 8th graders at Sts. Joseph & John and Strongsville City Schools go through the curriculum. 

The lessons feature role-playing and group discussions that focus on drug abuse education, handling peer pressure and making correct, personal decisions.  Office Poney teaches the 6th-grade program while Officer Marianna Hansen handles the 8th-grade sessions. 

Then at the high school level, students have the opportunity as junior and seniors to become D.A.R.E. role models.  These students visit the younger kids at school and share their life experiences as teens that choose to remain alcohol and substance free. 

Poney, in his 19th year in the program, and two additional officers, will be conducting interviews for 2011-12 D.A.R.E. role models at the high school beginning next month. According to Poney, “(I) keep my promise I made to them as sixth graders.  If they remain drug, alcohol and tobacco free, they can be a role model (in the program).”

There is no limit to the number of students that can apply and be interviewed. The process involves attending one of three informational sessions at SHS on Friday, Sept. 16.  Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 23. Last year, 321 interviews were conducted. Part of the process of choosing the role models includes a police record check. 

Poney knows the program has an impact. 

“The current role models remember the role models they had from the time they were in 6th and 8th grade. They have stuck with it and want to do it. They are so excited to be a part of it.”

Besides visiting the schools, the high school students also can attend the D.A.R.E. community events, some of which are a trip down memory lane since they remember attending the events when they were younger.

Held at Michaud’s, the 7th and 8th grade Halloween dance is set for Thursday, Oct. 13. The following night, Friday, Oct. 14, will be the Halloween dance for 5th and 6th graders. This marks the 20th year for the event.

There is an ice skating party scheduled for Jan. 31 at Hoover Arena for students in grades 1-8 and their families.

The 8th grade celebration event will be held on May 18 and the event for 6th graders is scheduled for June 1,  both  at Michaud’s.

Since so many students benefit from the instruction and later serving as role models, this program gets extra, extra credit!

Oh, and that D.A.R.E. vehicle – well, the purchase is the result of fees assessed for "driving under the influence" and a law that requires a portion of confiscated drug money to go toward anti-drug education.   

Want to be featured in "Extra Credit?" Strongsville City Schools and Sts. Joseph and John administration, faculty, club advisors and student officers are encouraged to submit information for “Extra Credit,” including upcoming events, photos, etc. Let us know what’s going on! Email Sharon Galvan at galvan.patch@roadrunner.com.