Kinder Middle School celebrated its DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) graduation with an assembly to recognize students for their hard work.
Marcia Miller welcomed everyone to the event. Grace Courville said the prayer, and Brilee Butts recited the pledge. Brandon Perkins gave information about the DARE program, and Kurt Morehead recited the history of the program.
The program is operated by Sheriff Doug Hebert III with the help of several agencies. Officer Angela Smith introduced essay winners in the four classes participating in the program.
•Mrs. Erin’s classroom: Anna Eaves, Kayleen Hyatt and Stratton Bogart.
•Mrs. Terri’s classroom: Tatum Broussard, Heather Bell and Lailyn Kerr.
•Ms. Tish’s classroom: Brandon Perkins, Hannah Duplechain and Linn Tran.
•Mrs. Catherine’s classroom: Alivia Chamberlain, JR Darbonne and Laila Courville.
Eaves, Broussard, Perkins and Chamberlain shared their essays with the audience. Eaves started with what she learned in the program utilizing percentages and other data to support statements that suggested 50 percent of teens will use drugs at one time in their life. Broussard discussed the decision making model they studied in the program to help them make good decisions and combat issues. Perkins shared wise thoughts from his father about standing up for himself and using good communicative skills to always be heard. He also was taught to help others and to stop bullying. Chamberlain said students learned what drugs can do to people and the dangers of using drugs.
Every student received a participation achievement recognition certificate, which were handed out by Joe Green, assistant district attorney, and Chad Guidry, an attorney.
Students in this program with ties to the law enforcement community were noted: Ben Courville, grandson of Beth Courville, DA’s office; Abby Fontenot, granddaughter of Brian Fontenot, Kinder Police; Gillian Green, daughter of Joe Green, assistant DA; Natalee Kirklin, daughter of Ron Kirklin, Oberlin Police; Heather Bell, daughter of Melinda Bell, Coushatta Police; Brandon Perkins, grandson of Deputy Angela South, Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office; Bryson Eaglin, son of Amitra Eaglin, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office; Lily Deshotel, granddaughter of Wayland LaFargue, mayor of Kinder; and Thomas and Samantha Deshotels, son and daughter of Judge David Deshotels.
A DARE skit about anti-bulying was performed by Allie Darbonne, Isaiah Thomas, Abby Fontenot, Gillian Green, Harper Daigle, Megan Gafford, Tatum Broussard, Ben Courville, Ethan Sheppard, JR Darbonne and Akira Bellow.
