Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Beaty Warren Middle School DARE program graduates Maddie Flannery (left) and Ryleigh Ecklund display their certificates and T-shirts.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry
The Warren County Canine Unit, Conewango Township Police Officer Scott Neiswonger and Choper pose for a photo with the Beaty Warren Middle School DARE program graduates.

The diplomas aren’t for classes in math, English, and science, they are for lessons in life.

Students in DARE were recognized by their peers and police officers at an assembly.

Each student receive a medal, a certificate, and a T-shirt.

“The DARE program is about making good decisions,” City of Warren Police Sgt. Brandon Deppen said. “The information that they are provided is to help them make those good decisions.”

“We talk about drugs and alcohol, bullying, communication, stress, and the help network — family support structure,” Deppen said. “It’s a 10-week program. We talk about something different each week.”

Six of the 157 graduates — Miken Beers, Lauren Andersen, Lauren Dolan, Lilly Branthoover, Jackie Cumberland, and Mark Lynds — were recognized for their essays.

Branthoover shared some of her stresses and how she copes.

“Everyone knows that school can be pretty rough sometimes. I just try my very best,” she said. “Everyone has things that stress them out. Happy thoughts really help.”

“If you want people to hear and understand what you are saying, be an effective communicator,” Dolan said. “To communicate in a confident way, you should look people in the eyes so they know you are talking to them. You should speak clearly and not too quickly. You should make your point as soon as possible.”

“When a bullying situation happens, you don’t want to be a bystander,” Beers said. “You can use the DARE decision making model to find out what to do. D means to define what the problem is. A is to assess… R means to respond… Finally, E for evaluate. These steps can help you report a bully.”

Andersen wrote about resistance strategies she learned in the program.

“If you know of places where people often use drugs, stay away from those places,” she said. “Hang around with non-users, especially where drug use is expected. Say ‘no’ and walk away. Say ‘no’ with a reason or excuse. Finally, change the subject.”

“DARE… teaches you how to take responsibility when it comes to drugs, bullying, alcohol, and more,” Cumberland said. “If you’re looking for a fun and educating program, join DARE. There are a lot of bad things in the world. DARE will help you stay away from those things.”

“I plan on using what I have learned to make safe and responsible choices,” she said. “I will use what I learned in DARE for the rest of my life.”

In his essay, Linds summarized his time in the program.

“It’s a very important class that helps a lot in learning about real world problems,” he said. “These past 11 weeks have been wonderful.”

After the presentation, students were introduced to the members of the county’s canine unit, Conewango Township Police Officer Scott Neiswonger and Canine Officer Choper.