Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) is a program for young students, instructed by uniformed law enforcement officers. D.A.R.E. instructors work with students to raise their self-esteem, teach them how to make decisions on their own, and help them identify positive alternatives to drugs.

Since 1990, Broken Bow Police Department and Custer County Sheriff's Office have brought the D.A.R.E. Program to approximately 300 fifth and sixth graders in the county each year.

Custer County Sheriff Dan Osmond instructs students from Anselmo-Merna, Ansley, Arnold, Callaway, and Sargent. “D.A.R.E. is a 10-week program that focuses on helping kids make safe and responsible decisions,” said Sheriff Osmond. “Over the 10-week course, we learn facts and health effects of the drugs, alcohol and tobacco. We then learn resistance strategies to teach ways to stay away or get out of negative situations. Then we learn how to deal with stressful situations and work on communication skills. There is also a lesson on bullying.”

Following the 10-week program, students celebrate the completion of the class with D.A.R.E. graduation.

On Nov. 26, a dozen Callaway Public School sixthgrade students participated in the D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony at the school. The students were presented with certificates of completion from Sheriff Osmond.

“D.A.R.E. originally focused on preventing drug and alcohol abuse among young people. Over the years, it has evolved to address a broader range of challenges faced by today's youth,” Sheriff Osmond explained. “D.A.R.E. also fosters a positive relationship between law enforcement and the community, particularly young people. By having law enforcement officers in classrooms as mentors and role models, the program helps build trust and encourages open communication between students and authorities.”