Allen Parish Sheriff Doug Hebert III’s office sponsors the DARE substance abuse prevention education program each year, and deputies like Sgt. Angela South, teach the program across the parish.
Students benefit from DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) each year by learning about different substances and what abuse is, how to deal with bullying and peer pressure, as well as the positive effects of living a clean life to the negative effects brought on by substance abuse.
Last week, Oakdale Middle School’s fifth graders joined the list of DARE graduates in Allen Parish with a ceremony filled with speeches, congratulations and recognition.
Oakdale Middle Principal Pam Johnson gave a welcome to parents, students and guests to open the graduation ceremony. Student participants in the program included Georgia Miller, prayer; Khaiden Boyd, pledge; and Kaiylea Hess, history of DARE. Frankie Thomas was DARE Student of Achievement. Aysia Perkins spoke about their instructor, Sgt. Angela South.
Speakers at the graduation ceremonies included District Attorney Joe Green and Allen Parish Chief Deputy Assessor Lewis Williams.
Essay winners were Mailia Smith, Adiel Joseph, Ahmad Kaough, Jayla Stagg, Olivia Brack and Joshua Terry. Essay readers included Ahmad Kaough and Mailia Smith.
The fifth grade graduates recited the DARE chant and DARE Cadence.
Presentation of certificates were conducted by Coach Loyd Andrea for the homerooms of Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Chamberlain and Mrs. Fontenot.
