Sep 9

Sep 9 DARE program returns to Lenoir County Public Schools after 15 years

DARE program returns to Lenoir County Public Schools after 15 years. Deputy Breanna McWilliams addresses students at Contentnea-Savannah School. Photo: Kristy Kelly/Neuse News.

The D.A.R.E. program has officially returned to Lenoir County Public Schools, offering students an opportunity to learn about drug prevention, decision-making, and leadership. This 10-week program, aimed at fostering trust between students and law enforcement, was welcomed back to the schools with support from local officials and educators.

Sheriff Jackie Rogers, who made the return of the D.A.R.E. program a priority during his campaign, expressed his enthusiasm for its reimplementation. “It means a great deal. I said it when I was running for office that I wanted to get the D.A.R.E. program back into our schools because it’s important for our kids to learn about drugs, leadership, and how to talk to people,” Rogers said.

The program, now branded as “Keepin’ it REAL,” focuses on real-life skills like decision-making and handling peer pressure. Deputy Breanna “Bre” McWilliams, who will teach the program, will visit classrooms weekly to help students build these essential life skills. The program’s goal is to empower students to make healthy choices, not just in school but throughout their lives.

DARE program returns to Lenoir County Public Schools after 15 years. Lenoir County Commissioner Linda Rouse Sutton and Sheriff Jackie Rogers addresses students at Contentnea-Savannah School. Photo: Kristy Kelly/Neuse News.

Lenoir County Commissioner Linda Rouse Sutton, who supported the program’s initial launch years ago, emphasized the positive relationship the program builds between students and law enforcement. “It gives the kids a really positive connection with our Sheriff’s Department as well as other law enforcement,” she said. Sutton also highlighted the changing landscape of drug dangers, noting, “Drugs have always been dangerous, but I think they’re more dangerous now than ever because of the different types.”

Assistant Superintendent Nicholas Harvey, a D.A.R.E. graduate himself, is optimistic about the program’s potential impact on students. “As a D.A.R.E. graduate myself, I’m extremely grateful and excited for Sheriff Rogers and his team for reimplementing the D.A.R.E. program. Our students will take away things that will carry them for the rest of their lives,” Harvey said.

The program, which had been absent from the district for over 15 years, is now seen as a crucial tool for addressing modern challenges faced by students, from drug use to bullying. Harvey added, “It’s OK to say no, and it’s OK to realize you have folks in your corner that you can talk to regardless of what the issue is.”

Sutton emphasized the importance of students feeling supported: "The kids need to have someone that they feel like they can go and talk to. Sometimes, you just need somebody different."

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