The following comes to us from Quinn Curtis:

   In an effort to increase awareness and become more educated about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco use, fifth grade students at Cranford’s Hillside Avenue School participated in a ten-week D.A.R.E. program. June 14th marked the end of this program with a graduation and Moving Up ceremony that included school administrators, parents and students.

D.A.R.E. is a national program that teaches children effective strategies they can use to avoid drugs, resist peer pressure and make good decisions. D.A.R.E is made possible through the Cranford Municipal Alliance along with the Cranford Police Department and is taught to all of Cranford’s fifth grade students. Under the direction of Detective Sergeant Richard Vitale, students learned about the harmful effects that alcohol, tobacco and drug use has on both their bodies and their brains. The lesson included discussions, sharing "common" beliefs and understanding the long-term effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

During the graduation ceremony, many D.A.R.E. graduates shared their essays and reflected on how the program will help them make the right decisions when it comes to drugs and alcohol. All of the students pledged to remain drug and alcohol free. Even more touching was the individual pledges that many students made as they shared their future aspirations as well as their commitment to living healthy lives.