Just before the holiday break, Knoch Intermediate Elementary School held its 5th grade DARE graduation. Part of the DARE program involves students writing essays about what they have learned about staying clear of drugs and alcohol. The students in each class who write the best essays are recognized, then the overall 5th-grade winner also wins a prize.
Deputy McGrady is the D.A.R.E. Deputy from the Butler Sheriff's Office. Officer Mark Heider is from Middlesex Police. Officer Heider volunteered since the Butler Sheriff's Office K-9, Justice, and his handler were unavailable. Officer Heider answered questions from the students, let the students pet Bolt....and hid a drug-scented magnet in the chorus bleachers that Bolt had to find.
Pictured: DARE Officer Deputy Eddie McGrady, Bolt (the K-9), and Officer Mark Heider.
Front row: Third Place - Brynn Kuchta, Simon Novitsky, Logan Kight, Charlotte Pass, Maci Powell, Aubrie Rekich, and Logan Nesbitt
2nd Row: Second Place - Elliot Elder, Peyton Caplan, Aubrey Hollenbaugh, Skyler Thompson, Payton Fry (Missing: Jerzie Gizienski and Caleb Venesky)
Back row: FIRST Place - Evelyn Morgain, Ben Shoop, Collin Bundy, Sofia Goetz, Alexandra Howard, Amelia English, and Amelia Hawk
Ben Shoop, the overall winner, read his essay aloud to the entire fifth grade. All D.A.R.E. essay winners received D.A.R.E. t-shirts, along with prizes like Daren the Lion stuffed animals (mascot of the D.A.R.E. program), free tickets to Fun Fore All, and/or free kids' meal at Texas Roadhouse. All fifth-grade students received certificates from the Butler Sheriff's Office.
Congratulations, Students!