The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program at Prince Edward County Middle School sponsored a workshop with the Virginia Army National Guard Counterdrug Taskforce and a local non-profit, Autumn Bridges. This activity spanned two days, and all fifth-grade students were invited to attend during the school day.
D.A.R.E. students rotated through four stations, which included simulators demonstrating how it feels to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving or engaging in regular life activities. For example, students wore goggles while attempting to throw a ball back and forth, simulating the effects of impairment. Other students drove go-karts while using the simulators.
The remaining stations provided important information about identifying what drugs look like and served as a reminder to our students that drugs can easily be disguised to look like candy. This hands-on educational opportunity was an eye-opening experience for middle school students, highlighting the ever-present dangers of drugs and other substances. Students received an array of items to reinforce the importance of making good choices.
This event was made possible because of the community partnership between SSG Wayne Graves from the Virginia Army National Guard, Mrs. Jill Ahmad, the Vice President of Autumn Bridges, and Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Department Deputy James Graves, who also serves as the PECMS School Resource Officer and D.A.R.E. instructor.