Despite COVID-19, the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office and local elementary schools continued to work together to present the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. Sgt. Danielle Falgoust, DARE instructor, said she is so proud of the fifth graders who worked hard to complete DARE during this challenging school year. Graduations were held in January at several elementary schools in St. John Parish. Schools participating for the first half of the school year were Ascension of Our Lord, East St. John Prep, LaPlace Elementary, Riverside Academy and St. Peter.
Sgt. Falgoust led the fifth graders in DARE, a school-based drug awareness and prevention program that has evolved to not only teach students about drug awareness and prevention but also instructs them in decision-making for safe and healthy living. The 10-week lessons, offered locally to fifth graders in elementary schools, address drugs, violence, bullying, internet safety, and other high risk circumstances students’ may face in their lives.
Winners in the DARE essay contest and Star Challenge winners for showing outstanding character were recognized during graduations.
Winners at Ascension of Our Lord are: Kamryn Davis, Kenton Hill, Layla Torres, Kolin Tregre and Maddix Boswell (not pictured), Star Challenge winners; and Anthony Bruno, essay winner.
Winners at East St. John Prep are L’oreal Wright, Star Challenge winner; and O’Marina Craighead, essay winner; and Larenzo Porter Jr., Star Challenge and essay.
Winners at LaPlace Elementary are: Tatyana Gross, Ken’Yelle Johnson, Keian Ard and Edward Rogers Jr., essay winners; and Harmonie Derkins, Eric Bergeron and Damyan Brown, Star Challenge winners.
Winners at Riverside Academy are: Ava Fleetwood, Emerson LeBlanc, Bayli Melancon and Liam Zimmerman, Star Challenge winners; and Emerson LeBlanc and Dane Barraco, essay winners.
Winners at St. Peter are: Serenity Louque, Star Challenge winner; and Byron Pilgreen, essay winner.
SJSO Holds DARE Graduations at Local Schools
