Fifth graders graduate from D.A.R.E. program

BYRAM-The Byram Township Police Department and the Byram Township Intermediate School proudly announce the graduation of 131 fifth graders from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. Sgt. Peter Zabita and Det. Todd Duffy conducted the ten-week program geared to pre-teens, helping them learn to be aware of the consequences of drug use, teaching them how to make wise decisions and deal with peer pressure, along with avoiding violence. Graduation was held on Thursday, May 26, at the Byram Intermediate School. Students had been asked to "Take A Stand" against drugs and violence and put their feelings down on paper. The essay contest winners were: Michael Maciaszek, Taylor Odell, Matthew Levin, Amber Scalera, and Shannon Scherr, The essay winners were given a gift certificate for the Rockaway Mall, donated by the membership of Sussex County Police Benevolent Society Local 138, a gift certificate for The Book Store, and an ice cream cake from Byram Dairy Queen, both in Byram Plaza, donated by the owners of those stores. All students received a diploma and custom D.A.R.E. T-shirt, courtesy of the Lenape Valley Municipal Alliance which funded the program. All the students were also given a certificate for a free ice cream at Byram Dairy Queen and Byram McDonalds, donated by the owners.