'Choices have consequences'
Fifth-grader Kinley McMurray reads her D.A.R.E. essay during a graduation ceremony at Garwood Elementary School as deputy Brett Clauson listens.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
Fifth-graders at Garwood Elementary hold up their certificates after graduating from the 10-week D.A.R.E. program.
Zoey Darrah reads her speech aloud at the D.A.R.E. graduation assembly Friday at Garwood Elementary.
Elliot Baune reads her essay near deputy Brett Clauson at Garwood Elementary's D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony.
Fifth graders march back into the gym at Garwood Elementary after receiving t-shirts and certificates for completing the D.A.R.E. program.
RATHDRUM — Fifth grader Kinley McMurray set a high standard as she read an essay with her intentions Friday during a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony at Garwood Elementary School.
“I will continue to make the most responsible choice out of every situation. I will think thoroughly before I act and I will continue to be a good influence to my classmates and friends,” McMurray said.
School resource officer deputy Brett Clauson had brought the 10-week D.A.R.E curriculum to Garwood, culminating in an essay about what the fifth grade students learned. McMurray, Elliot Baune and Zoey Darrah were selected as the students with the top essays about their experiences in the program and read their words to the assembly of students and parents.
Sheriff Bob Norris commended the students on their hard work and support Clauson in his efforts to revitalize the D.A.R.E. program, noting this was the first time it’s been offered at Garwood.
“I’m pretty sad that it’s over this year,” Clauson said.
In Baune's essay, she explained how D.A.R.E.’s decision-making model helped students make safe and responsible decisions by defining, assessing, responding and evaluating stressful situations in their lives.
“He had us act out scenarios about how to say no to negative peer pressure,” Baune said.
Darrah spoke about the program’s guidelines in how to set boundaries and make decisions as life-saving tools.
“D.A.R.E. has shown me that all choices have consequences,” Darrah said.
After the student addresses, Clauson praised students.
“I am super proud of you guys,” he said.
Fifth-graders at Garwood Elementary hold up their certificates after graduating from the 10-week D.A.R.E. program.
Zoey Darrah reads her speech aloud at the D.A.R.E. graduation assembly Friday at Garwood Elementary.
Elliot Baune reads her essay near deputy Brett Clauson at Garwood Elementary's D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony.
Fifth graders march back into the gym at Garwood Elementary after receiving t-shirts and certificates for completing the D.A.R.E. program.