1996 D.A.R.E. Essay Winner
Ashlee Thompson
Oakland Elementary School
(11 years old)

Good Evening! As a sixth grade student, I was given the opportunity to participate in the DARE program. I have learned so much, and had fun in the process.

DARE means Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Some of the things I have learned is how to deal with real life situations through role-playing. This, I feel, will help me to be stronger as I say NO if a situation involving drugs ever arises. I have learned new words and their definitions, different types of pressure, and ways to deal with stress. Officer Jakub suggested that we look out the window when we're feeling stressed. The only problem is the teachers just don't buy our line when we used the windows at school during class time.

I feel that it is important to be drug-free because drugs are starting to cause more violence than this world can handle. I hope that 6th graders can continue to be educated through the DARE program for years to come.

Officer Jakub, thank you for all the stories you told us, and for caring about us. We hope that we can always make you proud of the decisions we make about drugs in the upcoming years.

I would also like to thank my teachers, Mrs. Carrier, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Small, and Mrs. Wethington for their support in my decision to be DRUG-FREE!

Thank You.


YOUNG ASHLEE DIED ON NOVEMBER 10, 1996 ALONG WITH HER MOTHER LISA. THEY WERE DRIVING HOME AND WERE HIT HEAD ON BY A DRUNK DRIVER.