Just Say No
DARE mentors teach youngsters how to avoid pitfalls of drinking, drugs and peer pressure
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson Serving as an example for future drug-free Boling High Bulldogs are this year's senior role models (front from left) Matt Steiner, Rodmann Callis, Trey Kulak, (back) Camille Johse, Katie Womack and Kelsey Stolle. The six were among the invitees to this week's D.A.R.E. graduation at New Gulf Elementary School. Just Say No

Sitting in some prime seats up front at this week's DARE graduation at Newgulf Elementary School were the six Boling High School seniors who acted as role models for the school's 5th graders participating in the ceremony.

Serving as role models this year were Camille Johse, Trey Kulak, Rodmann Callis, Matt Steiner, Katie Womack and Kelsey Stolle.

DARE Officer Jeff Andrejczak recognized each of the seniors during the graduation with Boling Assistant Superintendent Wade Stidevent adding they should see it as a great honor.

"I was pleasantly surprised to be one of those selected," Womack said.

"I really didn't expect to be picked so I see it as an honor."

The seniors' participation included attending one of the DARE sessions and answering questions from the younger students on topics concerning not only how to resist peer pressure to take drugs but also what life is like in junior high and high school.

"The questions were mostly the same ones I remember our asking when we were that age," Johse said.

And while most of the seniors were comfortable with their roles, the physically biggest of the bunch wasn't.

"I found it a little intimidating," Steiner said. "They're all looking to you for answers."

The seniors said they bonded with the Newgulf students.

"It makes you feel good when they come up and recognize you around the community," Stolle said.

Callis added, "They come up to you because they see us as someone they can talk to about things."

Also receiving special recognition during the ceremony were Makayla Hobbs and Brooke Wallace.

Hobbs was recognized for submitting the top essay while Wallace was the runner up. Hobbs read her paper and later Sheriff Jess Howell announced his intention to place a framed copy of the essay in the foyer of the Sheriff's Department office.

Howell also complimented the students for their participation and the Boling school board and Superintendent Charles Butcher for supporting DARE.

"Mr. Butcher is one of the champions of the program in Wharton County," the sheriff said. "He says DARE is like electricity: You've got to have it."

He also praised the Wharton County Commissioners Court, which helps subsidize the program.

Andrejczak said a total of 67 students participated in the program and received their certificate of completion.

"If Wharton County is going to stay drug-free, then you are going to have to stay drug-free."