Sheriff’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program holds graduations at Willie Smith Elementary in Violet

Graduation ceremonies for the sheriff’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program were held recently for fifth-graders at Willie Smith Elementary in Violet. The D.A.R.E. program, commanded by Lt. Lisa Jackson, teaches a message of resisting drugs, alcohol, tobacco or taking part in violence or bullying. D.A.R.E. essay winners shown are, in front row from left, Diondra Fernandez, runner -up; first-place winners Breonte Jones, Stephanie McKay and Gianni Baldwin; and runner-ups Amhod Junius and Martez Whidby. In back row, from left, are Lt. Lisa Jackson, Sgt. Darrin Miller, Maj. Chad Clark and Lt. Ricky Jackson.