Edmonson County Fifth Graders Celebrate D.A.R.E. Graduation

Edmonson County Sheriff's Deputy and D.A.R.E. Instructor Jordan Jones addresses students.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Fifth grade students at the Edmonson County 5/6 Center celebrated their D.A.R.E. graduation at the end of school last week as the revived school program came to a close.

Navy Veteran Eric Roscoe led the group with the pledge of allegiance and Sheriff Shane Doyle was featured as the guest speaker. Sheriff Doyle's speech encouraged students to make good choices, no matter the situation.

Graduates received medals upon completion of the program.

Deputy Jordan Jones is the local instructor for the program who also led a demonstration with his K9 partner Tango. Officer Tango "attacked" Sheriff's Detective Wally Ritter in a simulated situation.

Student Emma Carpenter was the proud winner of a brand new BMX bike at the event, a prize that was sponsored by Josh Roney State Farm. There were also $25 and $50 VISA gift cards handed out to second and third place winners, sponsored by Kyle Culbreth.

Brownsville PD, Judge Executive Wil Cannon, and several other faculty members and school officials attended the event.

D.A.R.E. is an acronym for "Drug Abuse Resistance Education." Formerly taught by Kentucky State Police, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office now oversees the program.

Medals and certificates were distributed to those that completed this year's program.