Area sixth graders 'Pizza party' celebrates graduation from the D.A.R.E. program

[May 13, 2017]  LINCOLN - Friday, May 12, area sixth graders enjoyed a day of food, fun, and dancing at Lincoln Park District Recreational Center as they celebrated their "graduation" from the D.A.R.E. program.

The D.A.R.E. organization funds the pizza party each year through support from donors and fundraisers such as an annual golf outing.

The hungry students were treated to pizza, soda, and cookies. Before and after lunch, they were able to use up some their energy playing volleyball and basketball. Kids could also enjoy music and dancing with disco lights and a DJ service.

Christy Fruge, the D.A.R.E. officer for the Lincoln Police Department, said officers have been to sixth grade classrooms in all Logan County schools teaching lessons on anti-bullying and good decision making. The D.A.R.E. program shows students they can have fun without the influence of drugs and alcohol. Other activities during the year also help illustrate this point.

Officers who participate in the local D.A.R.E. programs

A few weeks ago, students went to a Peoria Chiefs game. In June, the annual Nathan Turner Fishing Tournament will be held at the Hickory Lane Campground in rural Atlanta. This family event is another way to encourage substance-free living.

At the pizza party, awards were presented to Louie Dean, Riley Tungate, Hannah Costa, Connor Boyd, and Connor Beaker for their essays about the program. Officer Miles Craig said all the students were asked to write about what they learned from D.A.R.E., what D.A.R.E. means to them, and how they apply it to what they are doing now.

Next year, the D.A.R.E. program will mark thirty years of teaching area students decision making for safe and healthy living.

[Angela Reiners]