1. What is the D.A.R.E. Program? The D.A.R.E. program is an acronym for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, but it encompasses much more than drugs and alcohol. Of course, the program focuses on the harmful effects of using tobacco products, including the new vaping rage as well as the effects of alcohol use in minors. The program skims illicit drugs also. What many people do not realize about D.A.R.E. is that it is also a life skills program that discusses how to deal with peer pressure, communicating with confidence, how to deal with stress, resisting bullying, being a good citizen, and how to understand the pressures that social media is placing upon our youth today.
2. How long have you been a D.A.R.E. officer?
I have been the D.A.R.E. instructor for the Crown Point Community Schools since 2019.
3. How is the program funded?
The program is self-funded on fundraising. The biggest fundraiser that we hold is the annual golf outing that is held each August. All the proceeds pay for the student supplies (workbooks, nametags, certificates, graduation shirts, and misc. items throughout the year) I am blessed to have each school’s PTO donate a check each year as well.
4. What are some of the program’s successes? 
I have seen firsthand the success of this program by the connections I have made with the students. I have students buy into the program and have spoken to me about certain issues that are dealing with at home, with family, self esteem issues, bullying issues, and unfortunately times when students feel they are depressed. So many time the program has allowed for these students to receive the help they needed.
5. What are some of the challenges that come with the program?
Thankfully, the challenges have been slim. I love teaching the program and being with the kids trying to make an impact that they will carry with them into middle school and beyond. The real challenge is keeping up with the finances from year to year and securing the program well into the future.