1998 D.A.R.E. Graduation

The 1998 6th grade D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony was held on February 19. The South Hamilton Auditorium was packed with parents, students, and friends who heard eight student speakers and guest speaker John McLaughlin celebrate the ending of this year's Drug and Resistance Education program. Tyler Anderson introduced Officer Steve Butler, the program's teacher, who acted as emcee for the ceremony. Officer Butler opened the ceremony telling about the program and then introduced the excellent speakers.

The featured students (Jamie Lund, Frank Goodrich, Afton Holt, Amanda Krumm, Kyli Hake, Ben Hayes, Jenny Nappe, and Eric Luhman) read their D.A.R.E. papers explaining what the program accomplished and meant to them. Effects and dangers of improper drug use, methods of resisting peer pressure, and perils of low self esteem were mentioned by all.

KCCI meteorologist John McLaughlin told the students of the pressures he had to face in school. He assured students that they have the strength inside to resist similar pressures and hold to the pledges they made during the D.A.R.E. program.

Principal Paul Hemphill presented D.A.R.E. graduation certificates to the 6th graders. After Ellen Wagner gave the closing to the ceremony, a reception was held in the lunchroom.