Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a 10 week program taught to 5th grade students with prevention of drug abuse and violence among children and youth as the goal. The program is taught in each 5th grade class on a weekly basis, and the students work in groups, complete workbooks and participate in class drawings for D.A.R.E. prizes. The D.A.R.E program teaches “Nine Ways To Be In Charge” and students participate in skits demonstrating what they’ve learned. An essay contest is held before graduation; the overall winner receives "Darren", the stuffed Lion Mascot for D.A.R.E. When the program is completed, there is a graduation ceremony and the students are awarded their D.A.R.E. certificates.