VPPD holds D.A.R.E graduation at Ville Platte High School

By: TONY MARKS
Associate Editor

For the last 26 years, the Ville Platte Police Department has been conducting the Drug Abuse Resistence Education (DARE) Program for fifth grade students throughout the city. The latest round of the program at Ville Platte High School concluded with graduation on Thursday, May 25, 2017.
“Setting good examples and being positive role models will help students make better decisions.” Chief Neal Lartigue said. “The DARE program teaches them what problems they may face in society today and gives them decision making skills to help cope with these situations.”
“Students completing this program were taught an hour every school day for 10 weeks about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, bullying, and the difference between making bad decisions and smart decisions,” said Connie Lamke with the department. “Detective Sergeant Charles Hall worked in the classrooms with the children to educate them on these dangers, temptations and peer pressure.”
According to Lamke, the students heard from people in the community who encouraged them to stay on the straight and narrow. “During the ceremony the guest speaker, Pastor Caleb Semien from the Word Ministries Church in Eunice La, spoke to the children about focusing on being the best that they can be each day and surrounding themselves with positive influences while keeping negative influences away,” she said.
“District Attorney Trent Brignac reminded the students to remember what they learned and to make smart choices for a bright future,” she continued. “The Youth Minister of Word Ministries, Will Stevens and his four children, Ambrosia, Adonis, Anastasia and Ana Stevens, performed for the students sharing a positive message and encouragement through song.”
Essay winners were also announced during the graduation. “The children are each asked to write an essay at the end of the DARE Program describing what they learned and how the program benefits them,” Lamke said. “One winner from each class was chosen.”
The winners were Melissa Gonzalez (Teacher Misti Fontenot), Seriah Williams (Teacher Yvette Jagneaux), Mykasia Thomas (Teacher Lisa Tujaque), and Peyton Wilson (Teacher Kelly Trahan).
“After the ceremony all of the children were treated to refreshments donated by Walmart,” added Lamke. “Chief Lartigue and Detective Sergeant Hall extended a special thanks to Pastor Semien and District Attorney Trent Brignac as guest speakers and Walmart Manager Josh Anderson for their participation in this worthwhile program.”