I had the privilege of sitting in during a Drug Abuse Resistance Education class given to Julie Johnson’s fifth-grade students at Valley View Elementary School.

All fifth-graders at Valley View will graduate from  the 10-week D.A.R.E. program on Dec. 9.

Bonners Ferry D.A.R.E. Officer Tiffany Murray,  along with a 5-year -old chocolate Labrador Sally Sue, have been visiting the students weekly since school began.

The pair begin teaching D.A.R.E. to fifth-graders at Evergreeen,  Mt. Hall and Naples Schools in the spring.

During the hour I spent with Murray, Sally Sue and the students, I was pleased to see the students enthusiasm and attention given to Murray.  North Bench Fire District volunteer firefighter Dave Koon assisted Murray and Sally Sue.  

To her obvious delight, Sally Sue was allowed to roam freely amongst the students.  The drug sniffing dog appreciated every little hand as the students pet her and every bear hug.

Murray grew up in Bonners Ferry and graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1996. She understands the specific problems for children and teens  in our community.  She is very good at explaining them on a level 10-year-old students can understand.

Sally Sue was trained by Bonners Ferry Deputy Chief of Police Joel Minor,  who was Sally Sue’s previous handler and a former  D.A.R.E. and school resource officer.

Murray enjoys teaching the students, and the students appear to enjoy interacting with Murray.   She said she loves teaching the fifth-grade students.

“The program has changed a bit from when I was in school,” said Murray.  “We have really cool books and it is more interactive.”

The topic of the class was pier pressure.  Murray went through the workbook. All the students participated and were willing and eager to answer questions.  There was a true excitement as the students stretched across their desks for Murray to call on them for their answer.

The students seem to understand the difference between good friends and friends who aren’t good for them.  Nearly every hand in class would come up when Murray asked questions, and each answer reflected the students were “getting it.” 

The students are being taught to have the confidence needed when choosing friends, avoiding situations that are not healthy and helping others who may have gone down the wrong path.

“My favorite part is when Sally Sue gets playful while we are talking about stuff,” said student Summer Norman.

“I like to learn to pick friends and help other kids to stay off drugs and to have respect,” said student Brooke Wallace.

Together Murray and Sally Sue are helping mold our young people to become good citizens who  make healthy choices which ultimately protects and preserves our wonderful community.  This is why I chose them as my Silver Lining for Bonners Ferry.