Caddo Parish fifth-graders at seven local schools will celebrate their successful completion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program with graduation ceremonies starting on Tuesday, 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.

The first ceremony is scheduled for 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at St. Joseph School. Other ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

May 3, 12:45 p.m., Walnut Hill Elementary;
May 7, 1 p.m., First Baptist Church School;
May 8, 1 p.m., Herndon Magnet;
May 10, 1 p.m., Mooringsport Elementary;
May 14, 1 p.m., Southfield School; and
May 16, 1 p.m., Oil City Elementary.