When asked why the Drug Abuse Resistance Program (DARE) was important to him, fifth grader Tim Cruz had a ready answer: because he can “live a drug free life.”
Fifth graders from North Bergen elementary schools were the 10th class of students to enjoy an annual recreational “DARE Day” since the event started a decade ago. After graduating from the two-year program, the students convened at the Stan Newman Baseball Complex on June 2, where they were rewarded for the drug-free, life-long commitment they pledged to make.
At this year’s event, officials from the North Bergen Police Department, the North Bergen Board of Education, and the North Bergen Alliance Against Drugs and Alcohol were present. Students were treated to a performance by singer Lori Michaels, who has sung “Reach Out” at the event for free since it began. She was presented with a proclamation from Mayor Nicholas Sacco for her volunteerism over the years.
“You should stand up for yourself.” – Bliss Baran
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DARE Officer Joseph Sitty has run the program for the last 14 years. He said that the festivities, although largely organized by volunteers, cost around $4,000.
“I think when [children] do negative things, there are always negative consequences,” said Sitty. “When they make a commitment to say no to drugs and are serious about making that commitment, they should be rewarded.”
Changing perceptions
Mayor Sacco said the program has accomplished a lot over the last 10 years, namely breaking down misconceptions.
“What has been accomplished is, we taught our students that the police officers are people they can turn to in a time of need,” he said.
Teacher Laurie Weiss said the program has allowed students to think about everyday life decisions, like peer pressure and bullying, with problem solving skills. She said that the DARE program allows students to gain this knowledge from police officers.
Drug free
Frankey Cancel said that the program was important to him.
“I don’t want to use drugs when I’m older and I don’t want to put my life in danger,” he said.
Another student, Bliss Baran, said that DARE allows some people, who are not prepared to say “no” when something like a cigarette is offered to them, the ability to resist peer pressure.
“You shouldn’t be pressured to do it,” said Baran. “You should stand up for yourself.”
Trevor Lawrence said that graduating from the program gave him a really good feeling, and Noelia Ramirez said, “I think today is important because with all that we learned, today is a day we can celebrate it.”
Fun-filled day
U.S. National Coast Guard Chief Officer Vic Balint flew in for the festivities in a helicopter. Balint told the students the helicopters in the Air Force were named after Native American tribes, and explained how many bullets the helicopter was able to fire, their top speed, and any other questions that came his way.
For Tim Cruz, it was the first time he had ever seen a helicopter up close.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.