Sixty-three sixth-grade students from Philip W. Sugg Middle School in Lisbon attended DARE graduation at Bates College recently.

DARE is a 10-week program that teaches students to resist pressures that encourage them to try drugs or use violence.

More than 30 parents joined students for the celebration. All students received a certificate and a DARE graduate T-shirt. Students read their reports and received a medal for their work.

Bates College has donated the use of Chase Hall for many years for the graduation ceremony. Graduates and their families dined in the new Bates dining facility.

A second graduation ceremony will be held this month for the remaining sixth-grade students participating in the DARE program.

For more information on student events and other activities at the school, contact community resource coordinator Monica Millhime, 754-0021 or e-mail mmillhime@union30.org.