Fifth-graders at Mars Area Centennial School will graduate from the 2017-2018 DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, in the school’s gymnasium.

The program, which is brought to the school by deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, gives students the skills they need to recognize and resist the pressures that may cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved in violent activities.

As part of the DARE program, fifth-graders are asked to complete assignments as well as to write an essay about what they have learned and a pledge statement about their commitment to remaining drug free.

For more information, call (724) 625-2601.