By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Maplewood Baptist Church in Paris was crowded with students, teachers, administrators, parents, grandparents and friends for the 2026 DARE graduation. 152 students from Harrelson, Henry and Lakewood Schools graduated from the program and they were treated to a graduation ceremony, prizes and a pizza and dessert lunch.
DARE Officer Bruce Alexander presented awards to: Countywide essay winner was Hayden Knott from Lakewood; Best Pledge: Sky White, Harrelson; Herbert Gonzalez, Henry; Sophia Wallace, Lakewood; and Best Essay: Grayson Arnold, Harrelson; Katelyn Vega, Henry; Sam Mathis, Lakewood.
Speakers were Pastor Eric Dyer, who welcomed everyone, and Brodie Swisher, who told the kids to make sure they keep their lifelines handy. “The decisions you make are going to get tougher,” he said. “Dare to be different and stay connected to your lifelines: family, friends and faith.”
Photo: Top award winner Hayden Knott reads his essay, while DARE Officer Bruce Alexander looks on. Shannon McFarlin photo.