"I promise to use my D.A.R.E. knowledge to make healthy and wise choices in life!”

This was a part of the pledge that fifth grade Monticello students made on Friday as part of their D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony in the Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary Gymnasium.

“We hope that through the completion of the D.A.R.E. Program, you feel empowered to make healthy decisions that lead to safe and healthy futures for everyone,” Principal Veronica Serrano told the students.

Alongside Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, Sullivan County Legislator Luis Alvarez gave opening remarks for the ceremony. He stated that he’s been teaching D.A.R.E. for over 20 years.

“A lot of people tell me that D.A.R.E. doesn’t really work, said Alvarez. “Over the years, many students have come back to me. They’re very proud they participated in the D.A.R.E. program.”

He recalled one of his experiences was teaching D.A.R.E. to his son, and then to his grandson.

“I’ve [also] taught Spanish students which I never had [the opportunity to do so] before,” recalled Alvarez.

He stated that he was very thankful the Sheriff’s Office allowed him to teach D.A.R.E. for so many years.

Sergeant Ionta stated that with the D.A.R.E. class, there are two requirements to successfully graduate.

She said that 22 from the class are to participate and complete their D.A.R.E. Book. The other requirement is a written essay and presentation followed.

She called up three students to give an example of the essay. These students were Angelica Baez, Russell Font and Yoni Herrera Ramirez, who delivered his essay in Spanish.

In her essay, Baez gave an example of how D.A.R.E. knowledge can be used in a tough situation and how the knowledge can help them effectively deal with the situation.

“I know that you should not drink alcohol because six people die from alcohol poisoning each day,” Font read from his essay. “That means 2,190 people die every year on average from alcohol poisoning.”

“After that information, I know for a fact that I’m not drinking too much alcohol when I’m older.”