Just after 1:30 p.m. Thursday, the fifth-grade students at Scott City Elementary School were practically bouncing off the gymnasium walls -- not just because the school day was almost over and they were full of sugar from cake and soda, but because they are officially DARE graduates.

Each of the 74 students received certificates and a DARE T-shirt, which they all wore that afternoon.

DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a collaborative effort between local law enforcement and schools to teach children in a classroom setting about the effects of drug and alcohol use, and to equip them with necessary methods of resistance.

During the 10-week class taught by Scott City police officers Ginna Cook, Joey Hann and Wayne Hampton, the students tested their resistance skills through role-playing skits with classmates who would offer them drugs in different situations.

"I really believe all of them understood the material," Cook said. "I think everyone will be able to say 'no.'"

In order to graduate, students were required to write an essay explaining what they had learned and what the program means to them. Lauren Pratt and Hunter Cox were the two students recognized for exceptional essays.

"The DARE program made me realize that drugs and alcohol are all around us," Cox read from his essay to the audience. He also mentioned the dangers of smoking and drugs he learned from the class, and his wish that one day every school will have a DARE program.

This is the second year the DARE program has been taught to fifth-grade students at Scott City. It was previously reserved for the sixth grade.

Close to 20 parents and grandparents also attended the event.

"It's worth me taking off work and showing up," Jeannie Underwood, who was also accompanied by three grandparents to show their support for their graduate Jacob.

cpierce@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127