GRAVETTE — The 140 fifth graders in Gravette Upper Elementary School “graduated” in a ceremony the afternoon of May 7 as they celebrated their completion of the “Be A Winner” program.
“Be A Winner” is an annual 10-week program for fifth graders to acquaint them with the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco and to present information on how to avoid becoming their victims.
Gravette Police Officer Chuck Skaggs teaches the classes once a week. The graduation signifies the students have attended the classes.
Attending the ceremony was a special guest, Tracy Neal, Miss University of Arkansas, whose words added emphasis to the importance of “saying no” to drugs.
Each student received a “Be A Winner” tee-shirt, a graduation certificate and a pencil.
Several parents werepresent for the ceremony held in the school cafeteria.
The program costs about $3,000 each year, which covers costs for workbooks, the tee-shirts and a $150 donation to the Children’s Miracle Network, and the fee for Miss U of A’s visit.
In previous years much of the cost was raised through a special dinner at the Main Cafe when it was in operation. The cost this year was covered by a one-time grant from the EDUL (Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws) by the OJJDP Office of Justice Programs.
Funds will not be available from that source next year, “so it’s back to the drawing board to find funding for next year,” said Pennie Berry, administrative assistant at Gravette Police Department. “If anyone is interested in making a donation, it can be made at the city hall,” she added.
Community, Pages 11 on 05/16/2012