Over 500 Participate In DARE Culmination

By Tanjua Damon

The Newtown High School was packed last Wednesday night as families of fifth graders came out to congratulate the students at the eleventh annual DARE Culmination.

Newtown Youth Officer Dana Schubert, who facilitates the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program for all fifth graders in Newtown, gave opening remarks to the students, families, teachers, and principals of over 1,000 at the event.

First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal thanked the group for inviting him and congratulated them on the hard work the students put in to complete the program.

“It’s a great honor and privilege to once again be asked to join you,” Mr Rosenthal said. “I’d like to thanks the students for taking the time to complete the program.”

Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed took the opportunity to address the crowd of parents to remind them that helping kids understand the consequences of drugs and alcohol is a community effort that all parents need to take a part in.

“You as parents are going to be tested. There are too many parents in Newtown who have parties in their houses. There are too many parents in Newtown who don’t stay up at night and give their kids hugs,” Dr Reed said. “Until people make up their minds that they are going to be an equal parent… We all have to understand we are in this together.”

Acting Police Chief Michael Kehoe reminded the students of the message they have heard and that they should stick together and help each other out.

“To resist drugs and violence, I know this is the message you have heard. But also to respect yourselves and respect each other. You need to look out for each other,” Chief Kehoe said. “We are very lucky at the police department that we have a good relationship with the school system.”

Four student representatives read their DARE essays about how the program affected them and the lessons that they will take with them as they grow up.

Cathy Urfer from Hawley School spoke about how DARE is a life lesson that she will remember.

Theresa Bibeau from Head O’ Meadow School told her peers and families that the program helped her to understand pressures that she may encounter and how to address them.

Matthew Kuruc of Sandy Hook School sent the message of respecting your own body and not to poison it will drugs and alcohol and that there are many challenges to be faced when growing up in a world where not everyone makes the best decisions.

Kathleen Brown from Middle Gate School felt the DARE program was helpful, especially when the high school role models spoke to the students about what some likely scenarios might be when they get older. But most importantly she felt that saying no was alright because there are a lot of reasons to stay away from drugs.

All the fifth graders received certificates at the culmination ceremony. The four elementary schools gave Officer Schubert a donation to the DARE program, thanking him for his time and the message that he delivered.

“You are passing a torch on to the fourth graders,” Officer Schubert said.