Crestwood fifth graders graduate D.A.R.E. program

CRESCO - “It’s great to see the D.A.R.E. students, their parents, administration and officers here today,” said D.A.R.E. officer, Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Hollenbeck during the fifth grade graduation held on April 20. 

“Last year we had the classes, but no ceremony. It’s nice to be in the gym for graduation.”

Hollenbeck explained he has been a deputy since 2014 and has taught the D.A.R.E. class since then. The 11-week program teaches the kids communication skills and about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, drugs and bullying. It also gives them confidence in how to deal with difficult situations. 

One of the last assignments for the students is to write about how to D.A.R.E. to Stand Out. Hollenbeck noted, “I like challenging them to find out who the best writers are. I challenge them to a competition. The top two from each class get a litte bit of recognition.” He and his coworkers had a difficult time in choosing the winners.

One student from each class read his or her essay. Highlights from each essay 

Sierra Burke said, “How will D.A.R.E. help me stand out? D.A.R.E.  will help be stand out when I am put under peer pressure. I will know how to resist drugs and other bad choices.”

Seth Drtina wrote, “I will stand out in my community by being nice to other people and accepting of people. I will accept people by letting them join my game at recess, and I will stand out by working hard to be great.”

Olivia Reiland said, “In D.A.R.E. this year, I have learned many things, such as pressure and peer pressure, resistance strategies and communication styles. There are many ways I can apply these skills to my life.”

Livia McCabe commented, “D.A.R.E. means to use your brave talk and stand up for what you believe in. It’s all making well-thought-out decisions using the D.A.R.E. decision-making model. You can define, assess, respond and evaluate your problems and your choices.”

Gavin Huber said, “What has D.A.R.E. class opened me up to? D.A.R.E. class has opened me up to not wanting to ever do drugs and also to stand up for my friends and family. I love to do D.A.R.E. class because I can learn how to be a bystander and an upstander. It is also very fun to meet new peope and to see cops.”

Victor Guyer said, “D.A.R.E. will help me in my day-to-day life. I learned importatnt things like respecting my friends and being a kind person. My friends are important to me, and I need to be a good friend to them. I don’t like bullying and will be a good upstander if it happens.”

Mrs. Leifeld told the D.A.R.E. graduates, “This is an important event. The gym was reserved. Special speakers were invited. Officer Hollenbeck was persistent in his teaching. We challenge you to be persistent . . . to say ‘No.’ All the people in this room are here to help you at any time.”

Howard County Sheriff Tim Beckman agreed. “Your parents and grandparents being here shows great support. The easy part is done. It’s real life coming up, and that’s the hard part. I wish you luck in the future.”

Hollenbeck then addressed the fifth graders. “When you are in the real world, we may not be there to hold your hand. But you can call for help and stick up for others. I challenge you to do your best and look out for the younger kids.”

Each D.A.R.E. student then received a certificate and a few gifts for passing the class.

Students in Mrs. Wilson’s 5A class include Jaxon Blegen, Emma Burns, Carver Butikofer, Walker Dohlman, Kynlee Hammon, Josie Heit, Keaton Henry, Karter Johnson, Noah Joseph, Cash Knox, Cameron Kuhn, Taylor Lickteig, Aliyah Lidtke, Braxton Ludwig, Kaidence Mahr, Livia McCabe, Madi Midthus, Damon Olson, Chloe Pucik and Olivia Reiland

Ms. Leifeld’s 5B students: Brylee Burke, Sierra Burke, Carver Burns, Ronnie Dehning, Isabel Drilling, Seth Drtina, Rodrigo Gonzolez, Ethan Meinecke, Jed Nelson, Olivia Nelson, Oliver Newell, Rylan Norton, Henley Panos, Cade Reis, Ben Riley, Christean Rush and Ryden Wall

Mrs. Jackson’s 5C students: Brychan Beck, Owen Chatfield, Evelyn Clarine, Kaden Courtney, Kaelyn Darland, Dawson Flugum, Gabe Gibbs, Victor Guyer, Riley Hartley, Keelan Henry, Gavin Huber, Carter Lambert, Bentley Miller, Phinox Moen, Kinnick Rempfer, Cali Schwickerath, Tatum Smith, Leah Swartzentruber and Aleena Zahid