After a year participating in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program at McClellan Elementary School, 84 fifth-graders were recognized for their efforts in following the DARE decision-making model.
DARE instructor Ron Porupsky, a Pleasant Hills police officer, said the students' commitment to the program would not have been possible with the community and parents' support.
The program has been a tradition in the West Jefferson Hills School District. The fifth-grade class was the first for Porupsky to mentor and guide. Porupsky also serves as the school resource officer at Pleasant Hills Middle School. He said he is excited he will have the opportunity to work with the students next year as sixth-graders.
“With technology and our fast-paced society, it's not easy being a pre-teen,” Porupsky said.
Students learned the DARE decision-making model, where they were asked to define a certain problem, assess the problem, react and evaluate. Porupsky said when the students assessed the problem, they were asked to look at the possible consequences. Porupsky said students had to determine if their actions were responsible decisions.
Other topics discussed throughout the year were peer pressure and bullying.
During the DARE recognition ceremony, a number of students were recognized with awards.
Jim Spezialetti is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-388-5805, jspezialetti@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TribJimSpez.
