6th Graders Honored at Special Graduation

CARTHAGE, MISSOURI –
The 6th grade class at the Carthage Intermediate Center graduated tonight.

Not from Middle School.. but from the Carthage D.A.R.E. program.

The kids have spend the last 12 weeks learning about the dangers of drug and substance abuse, and how to make responsible life choices.

Tonight, they got to celebrate their hard work with an all out graduation ceremony.. complete with guest speakers and diplomas.

Jeff Fries, the Carthage D.A.R.E. Officer, says that the graduation ceremony helps the students celebrate their accomplishment, and helps them remember what they’ve learned as they make the next step to junior high.

Fries also says that getting their parents involved can make a positive impact on the students.

He says, “It’s very rewarding for them to see that positive community involvement. Having the parents come out and support them and their families is really important.”

Lainey Comer, a 6th grader at Carthage Intermediate Center, says that she is excited to show her friends what she learned.

She says, “I’m glad that we got to do what we got to learn and I’m super excited to be able to show everybody that I completed this activity.”

The entire 6th grade class – over 300 students – took part in this years D.A.R.E. program.

From Fox 14 News