Students Recognized at DARE Graduation

Sixth-graders from 14 Simi Valley schools are getting pats on the back, congratulations and certificates for successfully completing the Police Department’s DARE program.

Students at Hillside Middle School and Good Shepherd Lutheran School received certificates Tuesday, joining a group from Abraham Lincoln Elementary who graduated last week.

The events will continue through the week with classes from Big Springs Elementary graduating today, Vista Fundamental School graduating Thursday and Hollow Hills Elementary sixth-graders on Friday. The events will pick up again next week with graduations planned for eight other area schools.

The department’s 17-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education program targets children and offers them a variety of ways to steer clear of the pitfalls associated with drug abuse, while building self-esteem and providing creative ways to deal with peer pressure.