Pictured, back row, from left: Judge Burt Poston, Whitfield County Superior Court; Lt. Tammy Silvers; Sheriff Scott Chitwood; Dep. Ron Kirby; Dep. Nathan Center; and Dep. Vincent Schaub, Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office. Front row, from left: Dr. Mike Ewton, superintendent; Maribel Ortiz, second place winner; Curry Pierce, first place winner; Lucas Harrell, third place winner; and Karey Williams, deputy superintendent, Whitfield County Schools.
The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Division announces that Curry Pierce, from Westside Elementary, has secured overall first place in the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) contest. Ms. Curry's essay impressed the judges, earning the top spot among other first place winners from the other county
elementary schools.
For the past 18 years, the DARE contest aims to promote awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and empower students to make informed decisions for a drug-free future.
Students are encouraged to express their thoughts and insights through essays that address these critical issues.
“DARE is taught in fifth grade so students learn to resist and say no when, and if, the opportunity presents itself,” said Ms. Pierce. “I can and want to see my future brighter because of what Deputy [Ron] Kirby shared with all of us how and why to say no.”
The Kiwanis Club, known for its dedication to supporting youth initiatives, organized the luncheon to honor Ms. Curry and other top-ranking participants. Kiwanis Club hopes students will take a stand against substance abuse, make healthy choices and become inspired to be positive role models within their communities.
“The DARE program lets us know that they [the students] are listening,” said Lt. Tammy Silvers. “That they do want to learn and, hopefully, make those good choices for their futures.”
"Ms. Pierce's success in the DARE contest not only reflects her talent and dedication, but also highlights the commitment of all Whitfield County elementary schools to provide a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth," officials said.
Honorable mention for all the first-place winners:
• Arekxis Jimenez – Antioch Elementary;
• Daniela Tobias – Cedar Ridge Elementary;
• Emeri Cittenend – Beaverdale Elementary;
• Curry Pierce – Westside Elementary (first place overall winner);
• Charlotte Cook – Cohutta Elementary;
• Sophia Castillo – Dawnville Elementary;
• Bo Chakales – New Hope Elementary;
• Lucas Harrell – Pleasant Grove Elementary (third place overall winner);
• Gissel Meza-Hernandez – Valley Point Elementary;
• Bella Beaudoin – Dug Gap Elementary;
• Ella-Grace May – Tunnel Hill Elementary;
• Maribel Ortiz – Eastside Elementary (second place overall winner); and
• Blakley Nix – Varnell Elementary.
For more information on the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office DARE program, visit
https://wcso.com/d-a-r-e/.