The fifth grade DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) class graduated at Northside Elementary School Wednesday.
The program is conducted by DARE Instructor and Chief Deputy Don Adamson of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.
Essays were written by the graduates, and those with the best essays received awards for their efforts.
Overall winner Mallori Hart read her essay at the ceremony. She was awarded Daren the Lion, the DARE Mascot, and was presented a check for $50 by Tish Summers on behalf of General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook, II, who was unable to attend.
This year's additional winners were:
•Sofia Amaya-Amy Raymond's class
•Eli Judkins-Amanda Griffith's class
•Leah Davis-Carrie Gottlied's class
•Avery Valdez-Ginger Wenger's class
•Mallori Hart-Alisha Day's class
•Kiley Staley-Mary Ann Blair's class
•Emma Jennings-Melissa Hale's class
•Monica Carlton-January Agee's class
Attending the ceremony were Northside Principal Dr. Gayle Redmon, Guidance Counselor Dr. Linda Bush, Director of Schools Mark Willoughby, Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack, Register of Deeds Jeff McMillen, Trustee Sean Driver, and Tish Summers on behalf of Judge Cook. Members of the Sheriff's department were also in attendance along with Sheriff Patrick Ray and Chief Deputy Adamson.
DARE is a cooperative effort by the DeKalb Sheriff's Department, DeKalb County School System, parents, and the community.