Local Fifth Graders Graduate From D.A.R.E. Drug Education Program

Fifth grade students receive their graduation medallions from the D.A.R.E. program.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Edmonson County fifth graders at the EC 5/6 Center received their medallions for completing the 2017 D.A.R.E. program, or the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. The year-long program is to educate the students on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse along with the consequences of violence and bullying.

KSP Trooper Chris Newkirk is the instructor of the class and he led the ceremony at the 5/6 Center yesterday. Along with Trooper Newkirk, Sheriff Shane Doyle, School Resource Officer Jeff Brooks, Deputy Jordan Jones and Tango, and members of the EC Anti-Drug Coalition were in attendance in addition to 5th grade teachers and school administration.

The program's essay winners were Ryann Davis, Abbey Hughes, Alyssa lay, And Alivia Mabrey. 

The highlight of the program came when Deputy Jones led a demonstration with K-9 Officer Tango as Tango found a hidden drug related item. The students were then treated to a controlled bite exercise that turned Alan Talley from Principal to victim as Tango chomped down on Talley's arm on command. Principal Talley was wearing a protective sleeve although several in attendance joked that the principal didn't share the same enthusiasm as the students.