|
Retro Bill Encourages DARE Graduates
Mt. Vernon Register News - May 2006
MT. VERNON — With their DARE curriculum completed and wearing their official DARE graduate shirts, the city-school pupils may think their DARE-related work is done.
“Not,” said Retro Bill, who served as the speaker for the Mt. Vernon City Police Department-sponsored event Wednesday for the fourth year.
“This does not end your work,” said Retro Bill, who combines humor with his anti-substance abuse message. “DARE does not end today when you walk out of here. Your work begins today. Every single day of your life, you will be called upon to use the DARE message and lessons. You are a DARE graduate every day of the week. You need to stand strong and be proud of who you are.”
MVPD Capt. Steve Lamar, who serves as the city’s DARE officer, said the graduation was truly a “celebration” for his 240-plus graduates. The graduation event was held at Buford School.
“This is to celebrate all the hard work you’ve done,” Lamar said, addressing the graduating fifth-graders. “I know you have learned a lot through DARE; you have learned to make the right choices.”
Each year, the DARE graduates are asked to write an essay detailing what DARE has meant to them and how they will use that knowledge in the future. This year’s winner was Joey Crosno who received a $50 savings bond from People’s National Bank. The winning essay is picked annually by Mary Kaye Davis of the Register-News.
Retro Bill, the national official DARE Safety Buddy, brought laughter as he drove home the point of “how dumb” using drugs, smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking are. But all the while, his message was serious.
“You need to listen to your parents’ wisdom. It takes a brave person to ask for help,” Retro Bill said. “If you think you need help, ask someone. Then, be proud of yourself for asking for that help.”
He also had some words of advice for parents.
“You can be a hero to your kids,” Retro Bill said. “Don’t just be your child’s friend; they have lots of friends. Be a parent. Support their dreams and talk to them. They have a lot to say.”
n McDonald’s of Mt. Vernon made a substantial donation toward the DARE graduation.
|
