By Kerry Rahm
krahm@wbcowqel.com
There was an air of excitement at the Bucyrus Secondary School Friday afternoon, as 97 sixth graders gathered to be honored at the D.A.R.E. program’s celebratory spring graduation.
Assistant Principal Jay Dennison welcomed students, family and friends to the recognition ceremony. Dennison remarked that he was “very proud, very excited” about this particular group of students and his praise set the tone for the hour.
The D.A.R.E. program is in full effect at Bucyrus thanks in part to funding and grants, of which D.A.R.E. officer Deputy Christopher Martin is tremendously appreciative. Martin, of the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office, rebooted the program at Bucyrus two years ago, and serves as program officer at eight different schools educating approximately 3000 students. Martin, a man who clearly enjoys his job, confessed he’s “a kid at heart,” and so finds it easy to connect with the students.
When asked why D.A.R.E. is still relevant and successful, Martin said, “I think it’s the acceptability from the students themselves. They’re willing to accept it, they’re willing to participate. The kids are what make the program. There’s a lot of things that I try to do to make it interesting and present, but it’s their willingness to accept the program and learn what’s going on in our society. I think that’s a lot of it. I try to keep it as interesting as possible, as fun as possible. But I think the kids are what make the program.”
D.A.R.E.’s key lesson involves the importance of making good choices along with its anti-drug message. The program educates students about the dangers of alcohol, street drugs, and prescription medications as well. It also emphasizes the importance of good friendships, or as Martin puts it, “friends will either keep us in trouble, or keep us out of trouble.” The program also touches on the harm of peer pressure and the damaging effects of bullying.
Martin also held a D.A.R.E. essay contest, and all six winners read their essays onstage. The winners were Lincoln Mollenkopf, Alexxus Fannin, Marcille Eulett, Natalie Stover, Jalyn Lyons, and Karmyn Blizzard. All of the sixth grade students received a certificate of completion for their efforts. The year culminates with a D.A.R.E Rally to be held May 18th from 9:30 to 2:30 pm.
Superintendent Kevin Kimmel took the stage to not only give thanks to Martin, but Sherriff Scott Kent’s office, the teachers, and all those who supported the D.A.R.E. program this past year. He intoned that he hopes the students have learned lessons that they can use for the rest of their lives. Afterward, Martin again spoke of the extensive support given by the school district, and the lengths to which they will go to ensure D.A.R.E.’s success. “It really is the support of the schools,” he said.