Pictured, left to right: School Resource Deputy Ian Morrow, fifth grade students Arden Stracker (second place), Felix Windemuller (first place) and Samara Brigner (third place), and Sheriff Austin Garrett
During the inaugural D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony at Normal Park Museum Magnet School on April 11, School Resource Deputy and D.A.R.E. Instructor Ian Morrow announced the school’s 2025 D.A.R.E. Essay Winners.
As part of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. Program, each participating school hosts an annual essay contest, inviting students to reflect on what they've learned and how the program has impacted their lives.
This year’s first place was awarded to Felix Windemuller for his "thoughtful and inspiring essay." In it, Felix shared how the D.A.R.E.
Decision-Making Model has helped him manage his emotions, make more responsible choices and lead a healthier lifestyle through lessons learned in the program’s health education modules.
In addition to Felix’s essay, fifth grade students Arden Stracker won second place and Samara Brigner won third place in the contest.
Read Felix’s winning essay
here.
“I am very proud of Felix Windemuller. His essay clearly reflects the positive impact the D.A.R.E. Program has had on his life, showing how it’s helped him grow in meaningful ways. The lessons he and his classmates have learned through D.A.R.E. will continue to guide them—no matter their age or the challenges they face in order to make safe, healthy, and positive choices. What he has learned reinforces just how important this program is—and why bringing it back into our county’s schools has been such a priority for me,” said Sheriff Austin Garrett.
The HCSO is also hosting a county-wide D.A.R.E. Essay competition to which Felix’s essay will be entered with the winning students from other schools where there HCSO’s D.A.R.E. Program is being taught. The winner of this county-wide contest will be announced later this school year once all the programs conclude.