Lenoir County marks first DARE class graduation of 2025
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — After more than 15 years, the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office announced the first Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) graduation Class of 2025.
Students from Southwood Elementary School completed a 10-week program and were awarded certificates of completion Friday, May 2, 2025, by Principal Wendy Piro, LCSO Maj. Larry Greene, Sgt. Josh Garner, and Deputy Breanna McWilliams.
The DARE program is now known as 'Keepin` it Real.' It focuses on students learning about drug prevention, decision-making and leadership skills.
Six out of the nine Lenoir County Elementary Schools are currently enrolled in this program.'The students focused on not only how to say no to drugs but also building their self-confidence,' Southwood Elementary School Principal, Wendy Piro said. 'She talked about one of things was helping our students say no to vapes and I know from being at the middle school that is a huge issue our students now face. So, equipping our fifth-grade students with those skills as they go to middle school is very helpful.'
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