D.A.R.E. Graduation

Janiel has been working on the DARE program for the last 8 weeks (I think).  She has learned all about drugs, alcohol, smoking, and peer pressure.  She worked really hard.  

She was excited to make a poster with the hope of winning and having it displayed.  She was disappointed when her poster didn't win.  

She worked really hard writing an essay about what she learned.  She tried so hard and wanted to win that contest too.  The winner would read their essay at graduation.  She was disappointed when her essay didn't win.  

Brent had the day off of clinical, so he came with me to the graduation.  He wondered why this was such a big deal.  Not sure why either, other than some parents don't teach their kids to stay away from these things and they are proud of their kids when they promise to resist drugs and violence.

We sat and listened to the essays and other speeches.  Some kids spoke of not being too harsh on your parents if they smoke.  Some said they would stay away from tobacco and drink responsibly when they were 21.  Others promised never to do these things.

Then they announced that there was a special DARE award given to the students (one in each class) who showed the most care and helped other students.  The Outstanding Student Award.  Only the police officer who taught the class knew who would be the winner of this award.  My heart just about burst when they announced that Janiel won it for her class.  

To me, this award is better than any poster or essay.  

I hope Janiel knows this too.