Recently, Bellefontaine City Schools celebrated the graduation of their 5th-grade students from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.
The graduation, held at Bellefontaine Intermediate School, was led by D.A.R.E. Officer Isaac Chiles of the Bellefontaine Police Department.
Officer Chiles praised the students for their dedication to the program and emphasized the importance of the skills they’ve learned.
“You are the future leaders of our community,” Chiles told the students.
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the presentation of awards for the top D.A.R.E. essays.
These student-written pieces reflected on lessons from the program, including resisting peer pressure, making informed decisions, and building self-confidence.
Each participating student received a certificate of completion, symbolizing their commitment to the D.A.R.E. mission and their growth throughout the program.
Several community leaders attended the ceremony to show their support and offer words of encouragement.
Bellefontaine Mayor David Crissman, Police Chief Chris Marlow, and Bellefontaine High School D.A.R.E. Club President Kate Myers each addressed the students, commending them for their hard work and positive choices.
