Our Lady of Peace DARE Graduation (PHOTOS)

fifth-graders celebrated the successful completion of the DARE program Friday with a graduation ceremony.

Through the program, the students learned the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, as well as how to cope with challenges such as bullying and peer pressure.

“You are an impressive class,” Darien Police Offficer Nick Swkeres said. “Stay that way.” 

Police Chief Ernest Brown joined Skweres, who taught the program, in praising the students for how much they learned during DARE.

“Those (lessons) are the cornerstones of how we intend to keep Darien one of the safest cities in the Midwest,” he said.

Four students read essays they wrote about what they learned from DARE.

“DARE definitely left a mark on my soul with all we have seen and heard,” read one boy. 

The sections of the program about tobacco and alcohol advertising, as well as friendship, had a particularly strong impact on him, he said. 

A girl shared a story about her uncle, who was hit by a drunken driver. He survived but with serious injuries that have had a lasting impact.

“DARE has given me the knowledge and skills to help me make healthy choices for the rest of my life,” she said.