By  Pat Culverhouse

Fifth grade students at Central Elementary School got some pre-holiday recognition Friday with graduation ceremonies marking their completion of the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) course.

Webster Parish Deputy Jeremy Wiggins, D.A.R.E. instructor at Central and Doyline High School, praised the students for their dedication in completing the course, and for their cooperation during the studies.

“To the parents of these students, you have done a remarkable job of teaching your children the important things. During my time at Central, the students have shown me nothing but respect and they’ve always been willing to work hard to complete the work,” Wiggins told a large crowd of family and supporters.

A pair of graduates received special recognition for their achievements during the program. Emerson Jernigan was named D.A.R.E. Outstanding Student, while Graylenn Gros was named winner of the D.A.R.E. essay contest.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker joined Wiggins and Central Elementary Principal Daniel Lee in handing out diplomas. Webster Parish Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland told graduates they had completed a very important course in their development as students and future leaders.

Additional guests were Webster Parish Chief Deputy Hank Haynes, WPSO Capt. Roosevelt Kinsey III, Heflin Mayor Ralph James, Heflin Chief of Police Paul Migues and Dubberly Chief of Police (elect) Coby Barton.

D.A.R.E. was launched in 1983 through the efforts of Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates and the Los Angeles Unified School District to combat unprecedented drug abuse among youth in the 1970s and ’80s. The program’s success has been documented through its continued use in schools across the nation.