Every fall, our fifth grade students participate in the D.A.R.E. program, a highly acclaimed program which gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. Mokena School District 159 partners with the Mokena Police Department to bring this program to the fifth graders each year. Officer Tom Czarnecki has led the program at Mokena Intermediate School for many years. Twice per week he came into the classrooms to teach lessons on how to resist peer pressure, good decision making, and how to cope with high-risk circumstances involving drugs, alcohol, bullying, and internet safety.
At the end of the program, students were asked to write essays about how they were going to live the DARE lifestyle. One student from each homeroom was selected as a D.A.R.E. essay winner. Congratulations to Grazia Aquite, Gavin Collins, Madison Janik, Julia Klepacki, Mia Rhodes, Claire Roberts, and Madison Varnado!
Of the essay winners, two students were selected to read their essays during the D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony held on Thursday, December 14. Claire Roberts and Madison Varnado read their essays aloud to a packed audience of families.
Village Trustee Debbie Engler, who has given the keynote address at the D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony for over 10 years, congratulated the students, saying, “You have accomplished a significant milestone on your journey!I hope you carry the lessons you have learned during the D.A.R.E. program into your everyday life.”
The Mokena Police Department was represented by Chief of Police Brian Benton, Sergeant Jason Louthan, and Officer Tom Czarnecki. Officer Tom also gave a few words of encouragement: “The Mokena Police Department has given me the opportunity to lead D.A.R.E. at MIS and it has been, and always will be, the highlight of my career. The support of the public officials lets the students know how important the D.A.R.E. program is and how important they are to the Village of Mokena.
I want to thank my students. In the short 10 weeks together, we have learned so much. I want you all to know how much you mean to me and how I am proud of all of you…I know all of you have the courage to withstand the temptation and peer pressure you will face. One of the biggest freedoms you will have is the freedom to make your own choices. And remember, you are defined by the choices that you make.”
Mokena 159 has a long history with the D.A.R.E. program and is proud of its partnership with the Mokena Police Department. Officer Tom is a fan favorite and the District looks forward to the collaboration every year. Congratulations to all of the D.A.R.E. graduates!