Several hundred St. Bernard Parish fifth-graders will graduate from the fall semester of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.
Forty-nine students graduated from W. Smith Jr. Elementary School’s program on Dec. 5, and a graduation was held Dec. 7 at Joseph Davies Elementary for 133 students. Lacoste Elementary School will hold its ceremony Dec. 14, followed by Our Lady of Prompt Succor on Dec. 17 and Meraux Elementary School on Dec. 18.
Sheriff James Pohlmann said the D.A.R.E. anti-drug program, taught in St. Bernard Parish schools by program supervisor Lt. Lisa Jackson and Sgt. Darrin Miller, is aimed at discouraging youngsters from using drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, or taking part in violence or the bullying of others.
During the graduation ceremonies, students hear from Sheriff Pohlmann who speaks about making the right choices when it comes to the use of drugs or alcohol. The Sheriff stresses the importance of listening to their parents and teachers and choosing their friends wisely. He also tells children not to bully others, and to report any kind of bullying they witness to an adult or teacher.
Sheriff Pohlmann also addresses parents in attendance about the importance of protecting our future by investing in our children. He praises parents for taking part in keeping their children on the right path and focused on doing the right thing, including talking often with them and looking for warning signs to help prevent drug use.