Video: More than 100 Fifth Graders Graduate From DARE

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – More than 100 fifth graders at one area school have made a pledge to stay away from drugs, alcohol and violence.

For the past few months, Rankin Elementary fifth graders have taken part in the Drug Abuse REsistance Education, or DARE program, taught by the Tupelo Police Department.

Students have to write an essay , make a commitment to stay away from alcohol and drugs. They also learn how to make positive decisions.

“I believe the earliest that you can reach them the better off we will have a chance of reaching them, helping them to make good choices with their life and not make bad decisions,” said DARE Officer Richard Franklin of the Tupelo Police Department.

Students received prizes ranging from medals, toys, stuffed animals and frisbees.