Fifty Grade 6 pupils from Oliver Elementary School took the pledge to never use drugs, as part of the drug abuse resistance education (DARE) program, taught by Cst. Kathleen Biron from the Oliver RCMP. The students graduated from the program last week.
Photo by Lyonel Doherty
Principal Karen Sinclair and the RCMP are hoping that the DARE program at Oliver Elementary School will prevent a future drug tragedy among their youth.
But saying no to drugs isn’t always easy when peer pressure is involved. However, Sinclair gave 50 Grade 6 pupils an easy out – blame it on their parents.
“I tell my boys to use me as a scapegoat,” she said, noting parents would be okay with being the bad guys if it meant their child refuses drugs.
“Don’t be afraid to use them as scapegoats,” she repeated.
DARE stands for “drug abuse resistance education,” which is taught in many schools with the help of the RCMP. This year the program is being taught by Cst. Kathleen Biron.
DARE teaches students everything from enhancing self-esteem to the harmful effects of different drugs. Bullying is also discussed.
“Life is full of choices, and sometimes these choices are difficult to make,” Sinclair said.
The principal acknowledged that some students may rebel against their parents, just like she did when she was young.
“Knowledge is power. It really is.”
Sinclair said knowing what to say when confronted with drugs is important, so she encouraged pupils to practise their “comebacks” ahead of time.
“You have to believe that you can make wise choices,” Sinclair said.
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes told the youth they will definitely face challenges dealing with this issue, but hopes they will draw from what they’ve learned to make the right choices and be “better citizens of the world.”
In a speech to the class, DARE graduate Nathan Millward said more than 800 deaths a year in Canada are attributed to second-hand smoke.
“Crazy, right? They weren’t even smoking the cigarettes and they still suffered the consequences.”
Millward was shocked to learn that 39,000 Canadians die every year from tobacco-related causes.
“I mean, if I smoked, I would be trying all my might to quit because every cigarette takes seven minutes from your overall life.”
The student then questioned why companies are allowed to produce cigarettes and alcohol when these substances can kill you.
Millward said he will capitalize on what he has learned to stay drug and alcohol free, and “legally” promised Cst. Biron to do so.
“I give full rights to hold this against me my entire life,” the boy said, emphatically.
Fellow student Giselle Weisheit said there are more than 200 dangerous chemicals in cigarettes. So, “if someone comes up to you and asks you if you would like to have a beer with them, just say, ‘no thanks, my parents would ground me for life.’”
Weisheit promised to never get involved with drugs. “After all, 50 per cent of people who try drugs become addicted and I don’t want myself to be one of those people.”
Student Toren Martins said DARE has taught him many things, such as staying away from places where people do drugs.
“I see so many people using drugs and alcohol that are under age and just don’t care.”
Martins said anyone who sees adolescents using drugs should report them right away.
The boy pledged to never use drugs, tobacco or alcohol, and said whoever does drugs should stop for good.
By Lyonel Doherty
