GRAVETTE — A EUDL grant from the Office of Justice Progress to the Gravette Police Department assures the continuance of the “Be A Winner” program for fifth graders at Gravette Upper Elementary School next year.

The program, conducted by Gravette Police officers for at least 15 years, was in jeopardy because its annual funding source, a “Be A Winner” dinner, is no longer able to be served.

Police Chief Trent Morrison and Penny Berry, Police Department Administrative Assistant, filed the grant request. They announced a $12,400 grant has been approved to cover costs of booklets and T-shirts next year.

The program this past school year involved all 156 fifth grade students, who completed eight weeks of classes presented by program director and police officer Chuck Skaggs, along with officers Travis Grant and Speed Estep.

A graduation for students was held prior to the end of the school term, and all students received individual recognition. Each also received a “Be A Winner” T-shirt.

Officer Skaggs, along with Miss Northwest Arkansas Tracy Neal and GHS football coach Bill Harrelson each gave challenging talks to the students at the program.

The class teaches children how to learn to say no to drugs, how to develop self-worth, how to be good citizens, the importance ofbeing good students, how to resist peer pressure and especially about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

Until this year, the expenses for all the materials and awards were met through the dinner sponsored by the Main Cafe which is no longer in business. At that annual dinner, officers served as waiters for the more than 100 who attended the annual event.

Berry said, “I asked the Gravette upper elementary staff, fifth and fourth grade parents and fifth gradestudents to write letters in support of this program to be sent with my grant application. The letters that I received were great, especially from the kids, and I am sure they had a real impact. I thank all of them for taking the time to write such great things about the program. And SRO Chuck Skaggs does such a great job with this program.

“We hope to raise additional funds to purchase a golf cart or goggles so we can better show the kids how truly dangerous drunk driving is,” Berry added.

The “Be A Winner” program was developed by the University of Arkansas. It was first conducted in Gravette by Officer J.R. Gibbs and has been continued by other officers down through the years.

Those who want information about the program or who may wish to help, may call Berry at the Police Department, 787-6948.

News, Pages 2 on 08/03/2011