Tuesday, March 18, 2025
24.0°F

'Choices have consequences'

CAROLYN BOSTICK | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 months, 1 week AGO
by CAROLYN BOSTICK
Carolyn Bostick has worked for the Coeur d’Alene Press since June 2023. She covers Shoshone County and Coeur d'Alene. Carolyn previously worked in Utica, New York at the Observer-Dispatch for almost seven years before briefly working at The Inquirer and Mirror in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Since she moved to the Pacific Northwest from upstate New York in 2021, she's performed with the Spokane Shakespeare Society for three summers. | April 11, 2024 1:00 AM

RATHDRUM — Fifth grader Kinley McMurray set a high standard as she read an essay with her intentions Friday during a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony at Garwood Elementary School.

“I will continue to make the most responsible choice out of every situation. I will think thoroughly before I act and I will continue to be a good influence to my classmates and friends,” McMurray said.

School resource officer deputy Brett Clauson had brought the 10-week D.A.R.E curriculum to Garwood, culminating in an essay about what the fifth grade students learned. McMurray, Elliot Baune and Zoey Darrah were selected as the students with the top essays about their experiences in the program and read their words to the assembly of students and parents.

Sheriff Bob Norris commended the students on their hard work and support Clauson in his efforts to revitalize the D.A.R.E. program, noting this was the first time it’s been offered at Garwood.

“I’m pretty sad that it’s over this year,” Clauson said.

In Baune's essay, she explained how D.A.R.E.’s decision-making model helped students make safe and responsible decisions by defining, assessing, responding and evaluating stressful situations in their lives.

“He had us act out scenarios about how to say no to negative peer pressure,” Baune said.

Darrah spoke about the program’s guidelines in how to set boundaries and make decisions as life-saving tools.

“D.A.R.E. has shown me that all choices have consequences,” Darrah said.

After the student addresses, Clauson praised students.

“I am super proud of you guys,” he  said.


    Fifth-graders at Garwood Elementary hold up their certificates after graduating from the 10-week D.A.R.E. program.
 
 
    Zoey Darrah reads her speech aloud at the D.A.R.E. graduation assembly Friday at Garwood Elementary.
 
 


    Elliot Baune reads her essay near deputy Brett Clauson at Garwood Elementary's D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony.
 
 
    Fifth graders march back into the gym at Garwood Elementary after receiving t-shirts and certificates for completing the D.A.R.E. program.
 
 


MORE LOCAL-NEWS STORIES

Armed with knowledge
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 11 months, 2 weeks ago
'We have to use our imaginations'
Coeur d'Alene Press | Updated 11 months, 2 weeks ago
'We have to use our imaginations'
Shoshone News-Press | Updated 11 months, 2 weeks ago

ARTICLES BY CAROLYN BOSTICK

Firefighter's fight with lymphoma fuels passion for stair climb
March 18, 2025 1:07 a.m.

Firefighter's fight with lymphoma fuels passion for stair climb

Firefighter's fight with lymphoma fuels passion for stair climb

Dylan Browning’s Silver Valley roots go deep. After getting a job at Northern Lakes Fire Protection District last year, he still volunteers as a firefighter in Shoshone County. Joined by fellow North Idaho firefighters on Sunday, he put his body through its paces as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stair Climb on Sunday in Seattle.

Lake City High School students hone art skills to advertise clubs
March 17, 2025 1:07 a.m.

Lake City High School students hone art skills to advertise clubs

Art teacher Cynthia Chapman never knew just how many clubs and sports teams existed at Lake City High School until her students began an art and advertising project this February.

Kellogg tries to revitalize uptown, find new home for library
March 14, 2025 1 a.m.

Kellogg tries to revitalize uptown, find new home for library

What community hubs or businesses would you like to see grow in uptown Kellogg? During a virtual presentation through Rural Minds on Wednesday, Paige Olsen of the Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation spoke of some pending projects and visions for uptown Kellogg. Concerns over “dying buildings” left vacant as their infrastructure deteriorates has been a major concern for Olsen since she became executive director three years ago.