Drama students will entertain DARE graduation

The DARE graduation Friday at 9 a.m. in the Rowe multi-purpose room celebrates 230 students who have successfully completed the antidrug course taught by Jasper police officer Wanda Brister.

Kim Hines' drama students will entertain parents and students with an original play, "hank and Gertie," an adaptation of Hansel and Gretel written by Hines. The Rowe sixth grade choir will sing at the graduation.

DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, and attacks substance abuse from several angles, according to Brister. The program is geared to fifth grade students because they are mature enough to handle the subject matter, but hopefully young enough not to be addicted.

The program shows young people examples of how addictive substances affect the body. This week, students wore "drunk goggles," which skew vision as though the wearer had too much alcohol to drink.

With goggles on, students find staggering across a room becomes a challenge. It teaches them why drinking and driving can be a lethal combination.

Another study unit helps students know what to say and do if someone offers them drugs. The ability to resist peer pressure is strengthened by rehearsing situations, according to Brister.

"I am really amazed this year how much more support we are getting from parents," Brister said.