Warsaw, IN- At the recent Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) board work session, the board recognized the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program and DARE officers. They also celebrated the start of the 35th anniversary of DARE in Warsaw, as this year concludes the 34th year.
The program has had many great officers, including Officers Fuller and Navarro, who continue to dedicate their time and passion to the students of Warsaw Community Schools. The late Sergeant Terry Polston, affectionately known as OP, is recognized as the program's most renowned officer whose commitment has solidified the program's foundation.
The DARE Program continues to recognize outstanding student achievements through its various awards. The Sergeant Terry Polston Award and Sticker Awards are given to deserving students who have demonstrated good citizenship, classroom participation, and kindness. The Essay Award is a competition in the students’ homeroom classes and students write about what DARE means to them. Students were recognized during the two graduation nights, which were held on April 25 and May 9.
"Last night, our daughter won the Sergeant Terry Polston Award after hearing Sergeant Polston's brother, Randy Polston, speak about him. This is a very special award and our family will cherish this award in memory of Sergeant Polston. We are so proud of Hazel for winning this special award," shared Sean and Meghan Smith.
The DRAKE Strong Award is given in memory of Drake Price. Drake was an honorary police officer with the Warsaw Police Department. Drake lived by the saying, "If you are not smiling while you're doing something, you are not doing it right." This is given to two students in the district. This year’s award winners were Wyatt Lotz, Eisenhower Elementary 6th grader, and Carl Vil, Harrison Elementary 6th grader.
The DARE Student of the Year Award is the highest honor, given to those who have gone above and beyond in their participation and citizenship. This year’s winners were: Brielle Dirck (Claypool), Rebecca Paton (Washington), Laila JoAnn Ballinger (Madison), Kendall Schuman (Eisenhower), Kinley Briscoe (Jefferson), Rushabh Gorhe (Lincoln), Kaitlyn Srogi (Harrison) and Leah Stafford (Leesburg).
During the DARE graduation ceremonies, keynote addresses were given by two WCHS head coaches, Matt Moore and Bart Curtis. They highlighted the significance of devising a game plan for achieving success, which includes envisioning the end goal, recognizing possible hurdles, and being flexible enough to make adjustments. Additionally, they stressed the value of making good decisions that lead to self-confidence, self-worth, and happiness, such as surrounding oneself with positivity and being punctual.
Officer Fuller serves Lakeview, Leesburg, Harrison, Jefferson, and Lincoln, while Officer Navarro is the DARE coordinator for the Warsaw Police Department and serves Sacred Heart, Claypool, Madison, Washington, and Eisenhower. Becoming a DARE Officer requires rigorous training, with a two-week course at the Indiana DARE Officer Training Center, where proficiency in both elementary and middle school curriculums is required. Officer Navarro is a DARE Mentor, with the ability to train new DARE Officers.
Dr. Hoffert, Superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, expressed gratitude for the long-standing DARE program, "The program inspires and educates students to make wise life choices. Our peer students and SRO officers are wonderful role models. We are grateful for their positive relationships and dedication to our schools."
The DARE Program has been a staple in Warsaw Community Schools for 35 years, and its positive impact on students' lives continues to be recognized.