Press release
PERRY– Chief Michael J. Grover is celebrating the graduation of the first 65 students from the all-new 5th Grade
D.A.R.E. Program at Perry Elementary School. The 10-week program instructed by Officer Matt Masci, Perry’s School
Resource Officer is the first step of the full roll-out of the D.A.R.E. Program at Perry Central Schools.
On Friday, January 7th, 5th Grade students were all recognized at a graduation ceremony where they were
presented with D.A.R.E. certificates. Busy Bees also purchased Perry PD D.A.R.E. shirts for all students as well as a
pizza luncheon after the ceremony. In addition to completing the 10-week program, students were asked to write a
D.A.R.E. essay. A winning essay from each class was selected and the winners, Emma Wyant, McKenna Harwood,
and Jayde Lewis, all read their essays at the ceremony. Winners were awarded a medal for their efforts during the
ceremony.
Officer Masci and K9 Sunny proudly presented each 5th Grader their certificates joined by Superintendent Daryl
McLaughlin, Principal Maura Gilsinan, Counselor Laura Kettle, Chief Michael Grover, and Sergeant Blake Russell.
Other highlights included a visit from Daren the D.A.R.E. lion, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Toby Davenport, and
Ms. Eberstein & Miss. Pawlicki’s class winning the ‘D.A.R.E. Box’ decorating contest.
D.A.R.E. has been completely overhauled in the last several years with a new focus on helping students make safe
and responsible choices when faced with peer pressure, bullying, and other social-emotional issues. Last year, the
Perry Police Department and Perry Central School District embarked on a journey to bring D.A.R.E. back into school
in kindergarten, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, and 9th Grade. At the ceremony, Officer Masci mentioned that Kindergarten
classes have now begun which consists of eight 15-minute poster talks about important safety topics.
Those that missed the live-stream ceremony can play it back at any time on the Perry Central School District’s
Facebook page. (2) Facebook
More updates on the D.A.R.E. program can be found by following Perry PD on Facebook (2) Perry Police Department | Facebook or Instagram by searching Village of Perry Police.
