South Elementary: Just Say No!

Kennett D.A.R.E. Officer Mark Blankenship places a medal around the neck of one of the essay winners during the D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony on Friday. See additional photos on page 14 of the Wednesday, March 17, edition of the DDD.

Staff photo by George Anderson

D.A.R.E., Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a nine-week program taught by officer Mark Blankenship of the Kennett Police Department, that gives students the skills needed to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence.

As the program commenced, South Elementary Principal Kim Lowry welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending. Lowry also said she was proud of the students for what they had learned, and turned the program over to Blankenship.

Blankenship, who has taught the program for the last 11 years, said he, too, was proud of the students for their accomplishments.

As the program continued, members of the fifth-grade class, who were dressed in D.A.R.E. T-shirts sponsored by the Kennett Rotary Club, performed a talent show with a variety of skits and songs, all focused on the things they learned during the D.A.R.E. program. Some of the performances included "D.A.R.E. Song," a "Making Choices" skit, football skits, and more.

Following the talent show, Blankenship said he had one final lesson for the students, as he presented eight Kennett High School seniors.

The KHS seniors, Meredith Combs, Aubrey Rowe, Will Caldwell, Patrick Ratliff, Sean Callewaert, Ben Collins, Jody Vancil, and Elizabeth Hively, shared their stories of how D.A.R.E. has had a positive impact on their lives.

After the seniors left the stage, Blankenship announced the essay winners from each class. This year's essay winners include Stephanie Crawford, Lexi Henfling, Jasmine Cooper, Kamesha Wilkerson, Gunner Smith, Chase Petix, Dameon Davis, and Elice Siebenhuener.

Another prize awarded was a stuffed D.A.R.E. lion, which was won by Kyle Joyner.

In closing the ceremony, Blankenship and Lowry presented the students with their D.A.R.E. Diploma, a certificate of completion.

When asked how important D.A.R.E. is, Blankenship said, "If I get through to one of them, it is well worth it." He added that he plans to continue teaching the program for as long as he can.