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Caddo Parish fifth-graders at five local schools are celebrating their successful completion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program with graduation ceremonies, said Sheriff Steve Prator.

Caddo deputies have spent the past 17 weeks teaching the D.A.R.E. curriculum at Caddo Parish schools. The program teaches youngsters how to build self-esteem, learn how to deal effectively with unwanted peer pressure, and find healthy alternatives to drugs, alcohol, violence and gangs.

Ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

December 7, 1 p.m., St. John Berchman;

December 8, 1 p.m., Vivian Elementary;

December 10, 1 p.m., Jack Timmons Elementary;

December 14, 1:30 p.m., Donnie Bickham Elementary; and

December 16, 1 p.m., Keithville Elementary.

* Photo: Sheriff Prator poses with First Baptist students at a recent DARE graduation.