Members of the Westlake Police Department and Mayor Dennis M. Clough attended a graduation ceremony for the latest class of students at Dover Intermediate School to complete the school's D.A.R.E. program.
The graduates participated in an essay contest and the winners were invited to read their essays during the ceremony. One student chose to write a song based on what she learned during the program and performed it for the entire class.
D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, focusing on teaching students the value of good decision-making with respect to drugs, alcohol and violence. In 2017, bullying and critical thinking were added to the curriculum for students in the program.
Among those in attendance from the Westlake Police Department was Chief Kevin Bielozer, Lt. Jason Dancy and School Resource Officers Kenan Cook and Pat Foye.
More photos are available on the City's Facebook page. Further information about the essay contest winners will be added soon.