Monsey Students Graduate From D.A.R.E. Program

RAMAPO, N.Y. -- Monsey fifth-graders celebrated completing the D.A.R.E. program on Thursday, Ramapo police said.

Students from Elmwood Elementary School in Monsey celebrate graduating from the Ramapo Police Department's D.A.R.E. program with Ramapo Police Officer Danny Lynch, rear left, and mascot, Daren the D.A.R.E. Lion.
Photo Credit: *Ramapo Police Department/Facebook*

Students from the Elmwood Elementary School in Monsey celebrate graduating from the D.A.R.E. program.
Photo Credit: *Ramapo Police Department/Facebook*

Students celebrate graduating from the Ramapo Police Department's D.A.R.E. program.
Photo Credit: *Ramapo Police Department/Facebook*

05/27/2016 12:30 p.m.

A graduation ceremony was held for students from the Elmwood Elementary School.

Police Officer Danny Lynch led the ceremony with the help of the program’s mascot, Daren the D.A.R.E. Lion.

The program aims to give children the life skills to recognize and resist social pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, or to take part in other destructive behaviors, such as gangs and violence.

It also helps them build self-esteem and develop interpersonal and communication skills.

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