questions about the officer to problems the student may be experiencing
Questions and comments are confidential and are only accessed by the police officer and the class teacher.
According to Eric some of the questions that they ask are: "Have you ever been in a high speed auto chase; or have you ever shot anyone?" 
"I tell them that I have never done either." smiled Eric
"Sometimes," he continued. "They will ask, "Have you arrested my mom or my dad?"

The students all seemed delighted to see "Officer Bunday."  He seemed to radiate enthusiasm, and his students responded in kind.  "I would like to introduce Mr. Eagle." said Eric pointing to me sitting at the back of the room.. "Mr. Eagle will be writing a story about us. 
"Am I going to be in it?  Asked a small boy with glasses.

"You could be," responded officer Bunday.

"Let me Introduce Mr. Eagle, he is going to write a story about your Class."

"Today is the Day.  You get to read your
D.A.R.E. essays."

"Today is the day," said Eric.  "You get to read your D.A.R.E. essays.  Does everyone have their essays?"

Everyone's completed their essay's." responded their teacher.

A small boy stood before the class and said: "I had a family member who died of smoking…I don't want to die young…"
He spoke for a while and the class applauded.
"Hey, I'm not done.  I have more to say."
He concluded with: "My life will be better without drugs.  I would have more money, life will be a lot easier and I will have more friends."

A girl in a red dress got up to read: "My life will be wonderful and exciting if I stay away from drugs and smoking."

Other children spoke
"I will be drug free, because I won't crash my car. I won't kill my friends from second hand smoke"
"I will be drug free because everything I learned is important.  My mom says smoking tastes nasty.  I hate the smell of it."
"Someday I would like to play soccer professionally for a living.  Smoking, chewing, and drinking will stop me from reaching my goal.  I will succeed!  I will be a champion!"
" I will be drug fee because I don't want to die.  I am glad that I did D.A.R.E."
"I will be drug free because drugs are stupid!  I want to get a good job and I want a good education.  Most of all I want to be healthy."
   "There are many ways to say no.  All you have to do is choose one for a long and healthy life.'
"If I do drugs, I can't be in the Army.  I will never do drugs, because I like my life a lot.
"I want to stay drug free, because I want a future."
"If I do drugs, I won't be able to become a doctor."
"I want to become an ice skater and I don't want to do drugs."

I found their readings to be inspiring.  The children read their essays with knowledge and conviction.   When they finished, they handed their papers to Officer Bunday.  He would
smile and share words of support and encouragement.   He would take their papers and say "Great job…Way to go… Outstanding.  You did just fine." 

A small boy shyly handed him a torn paper.
"Sorry, it got ripped."

Eric smiled. "Don't worry about it Buddy.  You did a super job.  I really liked what you had to say."

He was immediately rewarded with a big smile.

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