D.A.R.E program sees first graduating class in two decades

TIFFIN — With its return announced last fall, Drug Abuse Resistance and Education (D.A.R.E.) and the Keepin' it REAL program celebrated its full return to Tiffin this week with their first graduating class in over 20 years. The class consisted of 37 students from both Calvert Catholic Schools and Bridges Preparatory Academy, all of whom were honored and recognized by Police Chief David Pauly and Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson. "I want to congratulate you on all of the things you have accomplished so far," said Wilkinson. "It is a milestone that reflects not only what you have learned but the choices that you are prepared for as you go forward." The program is run locally by officers Alec Traxler and Chris Perry, who graduated from the program last fall. "Officers Perry and Traxler have stepped up in a powerful way by becoming certified D.A.R.E. instructors," Pauly said. "Their dedication to mentoring our youth and building trust in the community reflects the very heart of modern policing." He continued, explaining that the program—especially in its updated form—goes far beyond drug education. "It teaches students real-life skills in decision-making, responsibility and respect," Pauly concluded. "I'm proud of their commitment and excited to see the impact they'll make in our schools and in the lives of our young people." Calvert Catholic Schools shared their gratitude in a social media post, saying, "Your commitment to mentoring our students, building meaningful relationships, and guiding them through conversations about choices, responsibility, and respect is the heart of community policing in action."