Stanly County resident Todd Green was awarded D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer of the Year at the North Carolina D.A.R.E conference in Beaufort.
Green, who has been a D.A.R.E. officer since 2000, also serves on the North Carolina D.A.R.E. board as first vice president.
“I was shocked,” Green said. “I did not know this was going to happen. They surprised me.”
In 1983, the D.A.R.E. program was created in Los Angeles in an effort to educate students about the dangers of drugs. Since then, the program has expanded to more than 50 countries.
Through the program, police are invited by local school districts to speak with students about the dangers of drugs. The program usually lasts about 10 weeks. After students have completed the program, they are asked to sign a pledge stating they will not use illegal drugs.
The D.A.R.E. program has undergone numerous changes since its beginning. New statistics about opioids have been added, and more of the lessons are delivered online. A mobile app was also created so students can access lessons on-the-go.
“There’s just a whole lot more work that connects with the kids in the classroom,” Green said.
Before he took on the role of D.A.R.E. officer, Green was a police officer in Stanly County for 30 years. He says he got involved with D.A.R.E. in Stanly because of his previous work with the program in Cabarrus County during the late 1990s.
“I started working with their programs, doing giveaways and bicycle rodeos,” Green said. “I really believe that you can make a difference in a child’s life.”
Green says his favorite part about the job is knowing he is there to assist students if they need it. He also enjoys serving the schools and the community. Green believes the program has made a positive impact on Stanly students.
“I know we can’t affect everyone,” said Green. “But if we affect one child, to make that good choice or good decision in their life and stay away from drugs, then you can’t put a price tag on that.”
KARE Donation to Raleigh Rescue Mission
We would like to thank Next Generation Solutions and D.A.R.E. America for your generous donation of hygiene kits to the Raleigh Rescue Mission. These hygiene kits afford us the opportunity to provide the flash need for personal care items to homeless individuals…
Inspiring Talks Fuel D.A.R.E. Leadership Campers
This past weekend, 88 students from the five high schools in Timmins attended the third-annual D.A.R.E. Leadership Camp at Camp Bickell. Valerie Demers, left, and Annabelle Breton, both Grade 12 École secondaire catholique Thériault students, were among the counsellors…
Suenalo Vocalist Michelle Forman Honored as Champion for Children
Even before singer Michelle Forman had musical aspirations, the Miami native knew she wanted to help others. “Since I was a girl I felt I was supposed to do something bigger than me,” the longtime vocalist of Afro-Latin fusion band Suenalo said. “I was always…
Park Ridge D.A.R.E. Students Help Officers with Memorial Day Float
On Monday, May 27th, a bunch of D.A.R.E. students helped D.A.R.E. Officers Greg Santangelo and Kyle Dutcher during the Memorial Day Parade. Brett Unger from Creative Pavers in Park Ridge donated his time and resources with painting, decorating, and pulling the...
In Memory of Pamela Gallade
D.A.R.E. America was privileged to be a recipient of proceeds from the Pamela Gallade Charitable Remainder Unitrust. Pamela Markey Gallade passed away last fall at the age of only 63. Mrs. Gallade was born in North Carolina and raised in Oceanside, California. She...
Maryland D.A.R.E. Officers’ Association Newsletter, April 18, 2019
It was wonderful seeing everyone this year at the Maryland D.A.R.E. conference. We often get so wrapped up in our little part of the world, that we forget about our brothers and sisters in other jurisdictions. It is reassuring and comforting to see each of you…
HMS Fifth Graders Celebrate D.A.R.E. Program
Hayesville’s fifth graders celebrate completion of the D.A.R.E. program designed to prevent young people from abusing drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Hayesville Middle School fifth grade students participated in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. D.A.R.E. is a...
Rocky River Elementary Celebrates D.A.R.E. Graduation
Rocky River Elementary School and the Concord Police Department recently celebrated the graduation of 5th grade students from the D.A.R.E. Program. During the ceremony all graduating students received a graduation certificate, and some students received medals for...
D.A.R.E. To Be Great: Marion Fifth Graders Complete 10-week Program
Marion Elementary fifth graders completed 10 weeks of D.A.R.E. taught by School Resource Officer Michael Hensely of the Marion Police Department. Marion Elementary fifth graders graduated with the knowledge to make good choices with lessons they learned from Drug...
