DARE Class of 2025

The Waseca Intermediate School Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Class of 2025 graduation took place over the lunch hour on Monday, May 13, to a full gym of students and family members. Event organizers told the crowd DARE courses are designed to help fledgling Blue Jays continue to “Think Blue and Achieve Gold” and to always stay drug free.

Detective Nick Wellman of the Waseca Police Department handed out DARE diplomas to the six different classrooms of fifth-graders after he spoke of their achievements and determination. Wellman helped teach the classes of Ria O’Brien, Jodi Schlichte and Lori Harris. Resource Officer Greta Luiken helped guide the other three, taught by Katlyn Yaste, Jana Kestel and Rachel Bruns. DARE education is spread across 10 weeks in March, April and May. 

One student from each of the six teachers’ classes read an essay she had written about the benefits of staying off drugs, who the drugs affect and the damage they can do. For Ms. O’Brien’s class, Leta Hughes was spokesperson; her points included reaching out to trusted adults; communicating about substance-related situations; developing good habits, including choosing friends who are not users; and not being rude to people who want to help.

Kendall Johnson, from Ms. Schlichte’s class, told listeners she participates in gymnastics and wants to be a paleontologist. Her essay included statistics and trends such as, “There are 200 chemicals in vapes. If you do drugs you get kicked out of sports. Drugs produce bullies. There is a difference between telling and tattling. Tattling is immature and silly and is for things that are not serious. Telling is important and has a point.”

Lilian Berg from Ms. Yaste’s class made reference to Officer Luiken and how much her approval means to her. “When you see drugs, walk away.” She also made reference to the DARE decision-making model and the difference wise decisions can make to a person’s future.

Samarah Hoffman represented Ms. Kestel’s class. Hoffman, a swimmer, mentioned having learned with guidance from Officer Luiken, “Never smoke or vape, it will turn your teeth yellow. You can stay safe in the DARE program, but you have to know how to say no.” 

Ainsley Hanson of Ms. Harris’s class is a soccer and volleyball player. She reminded everyone about the stress and anxiety that come with drug use. “It’s also your responsibility to avoid peer pressure when it happens,” she said.

The Waseca Intermediate School expressed thanks to the Waseca Police Department, Minnwest Bank and high school members of the National Honor Society for help with the DARE program.