On December 9th D.A.R.E. BC Society had the privilege of recognizing a long-standing D.A.R.E. teacher, Ms. Lori Davis. This D.A.R.E. Teacher Appreciation Certificate was the first of its kind and was presented at the Ferris Elementary D.A.R.E. Graduation. Mike Yau (President), Steve Ternes (Vice-President), Kate Meffen (Partner Relations Manager), and Esther Ho (Board Member) were all in attendance for this special day of celebration in which 68 students graduated from the D.A.R.E. Program.
Ms. Davis has been supporting the D.A.R.E. Program since its Richmond Pilot in 2005. She has partnered with many D.A.R.E. Officers and has helped to coordinate the program at Ferris Elementary for over a decade. When classroom teachers are involved and passionate about D.A.R.E. it elevates this program to another level.
Ms. Davis’s description of the D.A.R.E. program is included below and it demonstrates the support she has for this program.
I have seen how these RCMP members have our community in mind, how they believe in the children, and how they can make such a positive impact on these children. In addition, it gives schools the tools, words, strategies, and knowledge to help make wise decisions when they face difficult decisions and have to make choices.
There were some additional special guests at this event including Councillor Linda McPhail, Councillor Bill McNulty, School Board Trustee Alice Wong, and several Richmond RCMP Members.
Thank you Ms. Davis for all that you have done and continue to do for the D.A.R.E. Program. If you would like to nominate an outstanding teacher that supports the D.A.R.E. Program or would like to nominate a D.A.R.E. Graduate for the D.A.R.E. Good Citizen Award please email dare@darebc.com for more information.