Valle Fifth-Graders Celebrate Graduation From DARE Program

Valle Catholic fifth grade students in Brittany Massey’s and Dana Moll’s classes graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program on January 9 in a ceremony at the DuBourg Centre.

It was attended by family and friends. Students were dressed in their DARE T-shirts and posed in group pictures at the ceremony.

Amanda Overmann, Valle Grade School principal, opened the evening with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The DARE classes this year were under the instruction of deputy Jason Finch from the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office.

Other law enforcement officers who supported the program through their attendance at graduation were Sheriff Gary Stolzer, chief deputy Jason Schott, and deputy Jeff McCarty.

The guest speaker was Brandon Moulton, a graduate of a 12-step program. He spoke honestly to the students about the importance of making good choices. He is four years clean and has a powerful story of struggle and faith that led him to the successful life he has now. The students had the opportunity to ask him questions.

As an added requirement of the program, each student composed an essay explaining what they learned in DARE. The essays included a pledge to make wise decisions regarding drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

This year’s first place winner was Ada Bley, daughter of Joseph and Amanda Bley. Second place was awarded to Lily Ringwald, daughter of Adam and Kristen Ringwald. Third place was Audrey Gegg, daughter of Tim and Christina Gegg.

(Information in a news release from Valle Catholic Schools.)

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