Over the course of recent weeks, St. Bernard Parish has seen several hundred fifth-graders embrace a future free from the grip of substance abuse, courtesy of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program graduation ceremonies. This educational initiative, spearheaded by the St. Bernard Sheriff's Office, culminated with events celebrating the commitment of students from W. Smith Jr. Elementary, Joseph Davies Elementary, Chalmette Elementary, and Lacoste Elementary schools.
Under the guidance of Capt. Lisa Jackson and Sgt. Brandon Lewis of the Special Investigations Division, the D.A.R.E. program focuses on dissuading youth from engaging in drug use, violence, or bullying. In a statement obtained by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office’s Facebook page, Sheriff James Pohlmann shared insights about the D.A.R.E. initiative, noting that it is "aimed at discouraging youngsters from using drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, or taking part in violence or bullying of others."
The recent graduation ceremonies not only served as a platform for students to be recognized for their commitment but also for Sheriff Pohlmann and Col. Daniel Bostic, commander of the Special Investigations Division, to impart wisdom about making responsible life choices. They addressed the significance of abstaining from drugs and alcohol, emphasizing the weight of good decision-making, the necessity of heeding guidance from parents and teachers, and the value of open communication within the family.
The dialogue during the ceremonies extended beyond the graduating students, as Sheriff Pohlmann and Col. Bostic seized the moment to address the parents present. They highlighted the parents' role in nurturing a future that shields the youth from the perils of addiction. "They praised 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," as noted in the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office social media post.
The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office's post also conveyed the urgency of proactive involvement from both the community and the authorities in fortifying our children against the snares of substance abuse—fueling the collective effort to #KeepStBernardSafe and ensure the continuation of #DrugAbuseResistanceEducation within the parish.
