By By Lisa Tindell
A vision of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department and the Escambia County
Board of Education that began four years ago is making an impact on students at W.S. Neal Middle School.
Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E., classes are being taught by Sgt. Larry Davis, a resource officer at W.S. Neal Middle School.
Smith, who is an employee of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, has been leading
the classes since they began at the school.
current Superintendent Billy Hines,” Smith said. “The program begins with students participating in classes beginning in the fifth grade.”
Although Smith teaches D.A.R.E. classes primarily to students in fifth  grade, he also works with students at other grade levels.
Smith said by interacting with elementary age students any fear of police officers is diminished.
As a part of the program, Smith requires each student to write an essay at the end of the sessions highlighting the lessons they have learned in the program.
Smith said the class this year consisted of 115 students who compiled reports for the class.
The eight students chosen for presenting the best reports were Madissen Bush, Emily Ann Cooper, Zac Clifton, Colton Young, Erin Wilson, Madison Winchester, Alyssa English and Anna Simmons.