Sacred Heart School fifth graders Kirsten Ardoin (left), Riley Chapman (center) and Harlie Arnaud hold up cupcakes during the D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Connie Lamke)
Special to The Gazette
D.A.R.E. instructor Detective Patrick Hall is honored to announce the 5th grade class of Sacred Heart Elementary participated in a graduation ceremony on March 18, 2016.
Guest Speaker Pastor Kaleb Semien of Word ministries spoke with the graduates about staying focused and following steps that lead to greater accomplishments and successful futures. Det. Hall stated that he is proud of these students for their hard work. Det. Hall also wishes to thank the families who came to the graduation ceremony for supporting the program and their children. “It is important for these children to have the support of their teachers and parents.” Hall said, “It reinforces that the programs is important and the lessons they learned have meaning.”
Chief Neal Lartigue stated that this program shows the young of our community about the dangers of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and even bullying. “We are proud to continue this program in our community.” Chief Lartigue said, “Our children face many obstacles in life and this program gives them solutions, options and beliefs to help them overcome some of these problems.”
Det. Hall also wishes to thank Walmart for donating cupcakes and punch for the graduates. “It’s great to have the support of our local community and it shows these students that we are proud of them and support their efforts to follow the guidelines of what they learned to be successful members of society.”
One essay winner is chosen from each class and those winners from the two 5th grade classes at Sacred Heart this year are Nicholas Fontenot and Harlie Arnaud.
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the D.A.R.E. program!