St. John the Baptist Elementary 5th graders promise to 'just say no'

Friday, Dec. 19, 2014

By Nevah Stevenson

Fifth grade marks a rite of passage at Saint John the Baptist Elementary School. In the proverbial sense, students have arrived. Now the oldest in the school, they are the leaders. The example-setters. Expectations are higher. Reaching this level also means hefty life lessons will soon be imparted. For many students, the most memorable of those comes in the form of the D.A.R.E. program.   

Drug Abuse Resistance Education. A weighty title for 5th graders, but the acronym gets their attention. Taught by Draper City Police Officers Kevin Easter and Pat Evans, D.A.R.E. takes students through weekly interactive lessons in the classroom and helps them construct real-life scenarios that could pose a threat. From bullying to drugs to behaviors that could lead to compromised personal safety, the discussions resonate. Students come away with a strong commitment to avoid drugs and other dangers, and the verbiage they need to help them keep that promise.

The program culminates with a graduation that feels more like a pep rally. Students are decked out in D.A.R.E. shirts. Parents and civic leaders are in attendance. The guest speaker, former Miss Utah Heather Anderson, leads students in their battle cry against drugs.  Father Denis Reilly, parochial vicar of Saint John the Baptist Parish, who spoke privately with student representatives, has blessed a pin to be presented to the police officers.  And each student has composed an essay about their journey.  In concert, 90 young voices reiterate their personal pledge to never take drugs. To always say no. It’s a powerful moment.  

Former students often say that what they remember most vividly about 5th grade is their D.A.R.E. experience, and that it felt pretty good to be a role model for the younger students waiting to step into their shoes.