Second Round Of 2010 DARE Graduates Honored

By Eliza Hallabeck

The second group of students to graduate from the DARE program this year were honored during a ceremony at Reed Intermediate School on Tuesday, June 15.

“The students have worked really hard,” said DARE program instructor Police Officer Gladys Pisani at the event, “and I have enjoyed working with them.”

This year’s DARE graduates mark the 20th year of students participating in the program since its initiation in Newtown.

District Health Coordinator Judy Blanchard told the gathered students, teachers, and parents in the audience, when her children graduated from the DARE program, fellow event speaker Chief of Police Michael Kehoe was the program instructor.

Ms Blanchard also reminded parents in attendance they have a strong sway over their children’s ability to make good decisions.

“We hear a lot of about peer pressure,” said Ms Blanchard, “but never will that influence surpass the influence parents have.”

First Selectman Pat Llodra said the DARE program helps to prepare students for the pressures growing up entails.

“Congratulations on completing your ten-week rotation of the DARE program,” said Mrs Llodra.

While challenging the students to make positive choices as they grow up, she also said the Newtown community will be supporting them along the way.

Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson said she is excited for the program’s graduates.

“We do this because this community cares so much about you growing up,” said Dr Robinson.

Decisions can open or close doors, as Dr Robinson told the program graduates, and she hoped they continue to make the good choices.

Chief Kehoe thanked the staff at Reed Intermediate School for being accommodating and the students.

“Your hard work, he said, “and your efforts during the year, made this program successful.”