DeLand Police Award D.A.R.E. Certificates to Starke Elementary

DeLand police officers presented D.A.R.E. completion certificates to fifth graders at Edith I. Starke Elementary School, recognizing students who finished the drug prevention and life skills program.

Principal Mrs. Aivazis and Vice Mayor Davis attended the ceremony. Throughout the school year, students completed coursework on resisting peer pressure, handling bullying, building self-esteem, and making informed decisions about drugs and substance use.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program places officers in elementary classrooms to teach decision-making skills before students encounter situations involving drugs. DeLand police officers taught the curriculum, which covers social and emotional skills alongside drug education, including strategies for responding to peer pressure and identifying trusted adults.

The DeLand Police Department runs D.A.R.E. programs at elementary schools throughout the city.