DARE program helps students make choices

To the editor:

We would like to thank the Scott County Sheriff's Department for once again providing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program to the Kelso sixth-grade class. DARE classes were offered by Deputy Todd Irwin. He did an outstanding job of teaching, motivating and offering real-life scenarios to these students. The entire class wrote essays on ways to stay drug free, the effects of drugs and alcohol, how to say no to negative peer pressure and the plain truth about stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens. These essays were quite impressive.

A big thank you goes to classroom teacher Gayle Shaffer and superintendent David Newell. Their support was instrumental in the success of the program. The DARE graduation and reception were very nice and well-attended by parents. We hope this program will continue under the leadership of Lt. Brenda Schiwitz and Sheriff Bill Ferrell for many years to come. This is a great first step toward a drug-free life for our children.

JIM and JILL PINKSTON

Benton, Mo.