Paris, Tenn.–It was standing room only Friday morning for the annual Henry County Schools DARE graduation. Students, parents and friends crowded the auditorium at the Little Theatre at the high school for the program, which is organized each year by DARE Officer (and Lakewood School Resource Officer) Bruce Alexander.
District Attorney Neil Thompson presented a program about the real-world dangers of drugs. Thompson warned the kids especially about the proliferation of fake pills. “It’s important that you never take pills from people you don’t know. We’ve seen an increased amount of this happening. You may think you’re taking a Tylenol and instead you’re taking Fentanyl and that’s the last thing you ever do.”
Thompson and Sheriff Josh Frey helped pass out awards.
172 fifth grade students from Harrelson, Henry and Lakewood were graduated at the event and awards were presented to students. And Darin the Mascot –who sneaked in to the program from behind the curtains–was a big hit with the kids.
Best Pledge Awards were presented to: Harrelson, Curtis Bomar; Henry, Izzy Hancock; Lakewood, Charley Croft.
Best Essay Awards were presented to: Harrelson Kora Fisher; Henry, Ava Clair Beecham; Lakewood (co-winners), Kaylei Hepner and Will Dempsey.
The Countywide DARE Essay Winner was Claire Townsend of Lakewood.
Photo: Bruce Alexander presents awards to Claire Townsend of Lakewood for being countywide DARE essay winner. Photo by Shannon McFarlin.