Darrian Wilson, 12, says the Drug Abuse Resistance Educationprogram has given him a good balance in his life that he hopes willcontinue to keep him on the right path.

“DARE teaches me to stay away from trouble and drugs,” he said.”And to help me make good decisions so I can live a good life.”

Wilson, who goes to Lipsey, was one of about 500 middle-schoolchildren who attended Wednesday morning’s DARE graduation at theLincoln Civic Center. The children were treated to lunch andfellowship, as well as a speech from state Sen. CindyHyde-Smith.

Officials said the large turnout was a testament to the successof the program.

“It was a great turnout and a great day,” said Lincoln CountySheriff Steve Rushing. “I’m glad the schools participated.”

And like Wilson, sponsors said there’s a bright horizon for kidswho complete the DARE program.

“The DARE program molds them to do better in the future,” saidArmy National Guard Staff Sgt. Sid Boyte. “It’s important to thecommunity and to the National Guard, too, that they grow up to bemodel citizens.”

The National Guard helped with the event by donating parts oflunch and by having personnel present to interact with the childrenWednesday. That’s part of what officials said is another perk ofthe program – being able to actually see and interact withofficials who are living a drug-free life.

“I run into kids in the community a lot that recognize me, andif they don’t remember your name, they do remember, ‘There’s theDARE man,'” said DARE Instructor Byron Catchings. “They’ll tell youanything, they’ll tell you if anything is going on with them.”

DARE is a nationally recognized program started in Los Angelesin 1983. It has been so successful that now it is in 75 percent ofthe nation’s school districts and 43 countries around the world,officials said.

During the actual classroom part of the program, an officer goesinto a classroom to teach a series of nine lessons from the bookprovided by the program. The children get to keep the book once thecourse is over.

Catchings said this year he put a lot of emphasis on peerpressure, as that can be a crippling problem that can lead toserious temptations along the way. In addition, of course, theylearned about drugs and their dangers.

“This class this year a lot of students that didn’t know thedifference between marijuana and cocaine,” Catchings said. “And oneof the main focuses we had was peer pressure, that’s the biggestthing we talked about this year also, as far as their friendsgetting them in trouble.”

Catchings said the DARE program is aimed at primarily helpingchildren withstand drugs and peer pressure, but that there issomething in the program for people of all ages.

“I just want the community to know if they have any questions,or are interested in learning anything, I have information forparents too,” he said. “And other schools too, just because we doit with the sixth-graders doesn’t mean I can’t talk to otherschools, and other classes as well.”