The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office kicked off the 2026 D.A.R.E. graduation season with ceremonies held at Quitman High School and Weston High School, where fifth-grade students who successfully completed the D.A.R.E. program were honored.
This year’s D.A.R.E. theme is “Let’s Be the Change – One Community Stronger Together,” reminding students that the choices they make can positively impact not only their own lives, but also their schools and community.
The D.A.R.E. program was made possible through the continued partnership between the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the two schools. The classes were taught by Deputy Lindsey Stevenson, with support from the JPSO D.A.R.E. team, which works throughout the parish to help students develop the skills needed to make safe and responsible choices.
D.A.R.E. today is about much more than simply saying “no” to drugs. The program teaches students important life skills through the D.A.R.E. decision-making model:
D – Define the problem
A – Assess the situation
R – Respond safely and responsibly
E – Evaluate the outcome
Through the program, students also learn about stress management, bullying prevention, building a trusted help network, and the importance of being responsible citizens in their community.
Sheriff Brent Barnett had the privilege of presenting certificates to this year’s graduating 5th graders and recognizing several students for their outstanding participation.
Quitman Workbook Award Winners:
Patrick Norton
Beatrice Toms
Mia Gonzalez-Ulloa
Quitman Essay Contest Winners:
Bretlyn Reeves
Savannah Porter
Oliver “Landry” Garrett
Weston Workbook Award Winners:
Rylee Sonnier
Elizah Thornton
Weston Essay Contest Winners:
Blakey Johnston
Johanna Holland
Landry Garrett from Quitman and Johanna Holland from Weston were selected as the overall essay winners for their respective schools and will now be submitted at the district level for the opportunity to advance to the state competition. The winning essays will also be on display at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office throughout the summer.
The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the Quitman and Weston school administrations, teachers, and staff, as well as parents and families, for their continued support of the D.A.R.E. program and for helping to encourage students to make positive choices.
