DARE PROGRAM 'VALUABLE'

DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a nationwide program of which
Vestal has been an active member for approximately 12 years. The program
provides fifth- and seventh-grade students an awareness of the deadly
consequences of driving while intoxicated and using tobacco and drugs.

The DARE officer teaches children many ways and reasons to say "no" to peer
pressure that could lead to dangerous situations. Through role-playing,
movies, articles and group discussions, each student leaves with the
knowledge needed to stand strong against peer pressure.

This valuable program is in jeopardy of being delayed or even canceled next
year. Because of an extensive mentoring program police have to fulfill
before becoming a full-time patroller, the DARE officer will be required to
make the transition from educator to enforcer.

DARE is an integral part of the educational foundation Vestal provides, and
I don't want to lose it for even one year. I learned valuable information
from DARE. Its absence would be a great loss to our community.

Jennifer Dinnel, Vestal