2004 Year in Review

Gomez graduates 5th grade D.A.R.E. class

MHS D.A.R.E. role models: Jodi Vandermyde, Merrie Bunt, Tricia Deter, Megan Goodenough, Heidi Benson, and Sarah Drey (Kelly Oudekerk was absent).

Essay winner for 5D - Samantha McCombs

Essay winner for 5GT - Tyler Cronister

Essay winner for 5T - Emma White

Essay winner for 5P - Amanda Kallemeyn

Allie Britt receives a medallion from Mayor Roger Drey.

“Stay away from drugs,” was the message D.A.R.E. Officer Gabe Gomez gave the 5th grade graduating D.A.R.E. class. The students have finished a 15-week program explaining the reasons to stay away from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

“This is the last class to complete the 15-week program, next year the new program will only be 8 weeks. I get re-certified next week and I’ll see the reconstructed program,” Gomez told the crowd Monday afternoon.

“I taught the kids to think on their feet, they may get only 10-15 seconds to make a decision that could prevent injury or save a life. I also taught them about the meth problem here. Currently there are 6 persons in Federal Prison in this area because of meth.”

He tells the kids about gangs and that they could be “in the wrong place at the wrong time. In the west coast gang members are shooting police officers to move up in the gangs,” he told the students. “In 2003 forty police officers were targeted and assaults on officers are up.”

Gomez thanked the police department, schools, and businesses that support D.A.R.E. “Many of the other towns have lost their programs but our community is behind this project.” After introducing his senior Role Models: Jodi Vandermyde, Merrie Bunt, Tricia Deter, Megan Goodenough, Heidi Benson, Sarah Drey, and Kelly Oudekerk, he gave them each a carnation, box of candy, and a D.A.R.E. mug. He also thanked the 5th grade teachers, Anita Dobbins, Libby Glazier-Timmons, Marie Popkin, and Sandy Tharp, with the same gifts. Gomez also thanked Elementary Principal, Jim Prombo, and added, “He’s my role model. I respect him.”

At the end of the D.A.R.E. class, each student writes an essay anonymously. After reading each of the essays Gomez chooses one student from each class as the best. Samantha McCombs of 5D, Tyler Cronister of 5GT, Emma White of 5T, and Amanda Kallemeyn of 5P all won donated prizes including a stuffed D.A.R.E. mascot and pizza certificate.

Mayor Roger Drey, Prombo, and Gomez read all the names off as students received a medallion and certificate of completion.

“Remember your head isn’t just up there for decoration, think about the consequence,” Gomez told the students. Then he told the parents, “Be a parent first, then a friend.”

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
May 10, 2004