DARE Will Return to Schools This Year

A $38,235 grant from the state will help keep the DARE program going in Strongsville schools this year.

The money will help pay the salaries of a full-time officer and a part-time officer for the well-known anti-drug program, which Strongsville Officer Don Poney conducts in all the sixth-grade classrooms, including at Ss. Joseph and John.

There is also a middle school DARE program for eighth-graders.

"It helps offset the cost," Police Chief Charles Goss said.

He said the DARE costs include the salary of full-time DARE Officer Don Poney, as well as a part-time officer who helps teach DARE and for Marie McManus, who oversees the department's juvenile programs.

Strongsville's DARE program has been recognized as one of the best in the state. Kids in DARE are also invited to events throughout the year to reinforce what they've learned, like Halloween parties, skating events and dances.

The grant is issued annually by the Ohio Attorney General's office.