California students hold program to honor police
Students at California Area Elementary/Middle School had a special program Thursday during Red Ribbon Week to thank local officers for serving the community and protecting them from dangers such as drugs. Principal Mary Lee Kalocay started the assembly by briefly explaining its purpose and commending the students involved on their efforts.
“What makes this program so special is that you put it together yourself,” said Kalocay. It was your ideas and your efforts that made this program. We want to say thank you today to all of our local law enforcement who keep you safe every day.”
Kalocay told the students how Red Ribbon Week first began, and the reason why it is so important to honor law enforcement officers for what they do.
“This all started because one officer fought so hard to keep drugs away from kids that he lost his life. People wore red ribbons in his honor and it just kept growing,” said Kalocay.
According to Kalocay, officers representing all various communities of the school district were present at the assembly.
After an opening flag ceremony, guidance counselor Debbie Beyer introduced the three middle school essay winners, who read their essays for the officers and other students.
The first-place winner was Aaron Balla, who said his reason for choosing to be drug-free was that drugs would keep him from being successful in life.
“I am afraid to use any type of drugs,” said Balla. “It would be hard to run back and forth across a basketball court or football field if I used drugs. People who use drugs can not succeed in their favorite sports. If I used drugs a lot of money would be wasted that could be put towards college or a new car. Drugs ruin not only your life, but also hurt those that are close to you. My friends and I have a lot of fun without using drugs.”
Eric Mounts was the second-place winner of the essay contest. He said he chooses not to use drugs because they would harm him and prevent him from doing what he wants to do.
“If I don’t stay drug-free it will mess with my mind and body,” said Mounts. “I want to go to college and be a doctor or a forensic scientist. It would be like selling my soul to the devil if I took drugs. Drugs make you die at a young age, and I want to live for years to come.”
Faith Calhoun was the third-place winner, who said that when she hears of anyone using drugs she has to ask herself why they would do it.
“I see it as a suicide mission,” said Calhoun.
“Thousands of people around America have died because of using and selling drugs. A lot of money is wasted on drugs. It can hurt people and break up families. If you do use drugs, stop. If you haven’t used drugs, don’t.”
The younger students read to the police about the protection and services they provide. They held letters to spell out “police officer,” and made each letter stand for something the police do to help people.
The students also performed a play that was written by Mary Sears, an elementary student, who asked the audience to consider how police officers make the world a safer place.
“Do you ever think about what police really do? Imagine what it would be like if they weren’t there,” said Sears.
Other students represented certain characters as Sears read their parts.
Characters included a father, concerned about a speeding driver on the road who was stopped by an officer; a mother, who lost her child in public and found him with the help of a police officer; and teachers and doctors, who felt safer while doing their jobs because policemen guard their facilities.
At the end of the play, students represented police officers who said that everything they do, they do because it is their duty as an officer.
“And remember, don’t ever be afraid of us, because we are here to help you,” said Sears, speaking as an officer.
D.A.R.E officer Jason Conoway participated in the entire Red Ribbon Week program. He spoke to the students one last time about avoiding drugs, and commended everyone involved in making the week a success.
“A drug is anything that changes they way your mind and body work,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone for the work they put into this. This program was a cooperative effort between the school district, the parents, the police department and the mayor.”
The PTA presented the officer with a gift to show their appreciation for his participation. They also gave prizes of jars filled with Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses to two students in correlation with the themes “hugs not drugs” and “kiss drugs goodbye.”
The fifth-grade students also read poems to the officers that they had written to express their gratitude.
California Borough Police Chief Steven Silbaugh was presented with thank-you letters from elementary students and booklets that the first-grade students made.
“I want to thank all the boys and girls for everything you did today to make us feel special, because you are all very special to us,” said Silbaugh.
“You are the reason we go to work every day.”
Superintendent Marian Stephens also expressed her pride to the students for putting so much effort into the program.
“I am very proud of each and every one of you. It is very difficult to make choices,” said Stephens. “To know the difference between a good and bad decision, ask yourself ‘will this hurt me?’ and if you do that, I think you will live a long and happy life.”