RUMFORD – Wednesday night’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education graduation for more than 100 SAD 43 students lacked the usual pomp and circumstance that most school graduations provide.
Instead, it had plenty of excitement, laughter and awards.
Former Lewiston Mayor John T. Jenkins, the night’s motivational speaker, left everyone laughing in their seats after sharing two funny anecdotes.
The second story led into his message: “It doesn’t matter how much you know, it’s how much you use what you know.”
“You awesome DARE students, know that your future is in your hands, so, let us open our hands, let us open our hearts, and give flight to our minds,” added Jenkins, a gubernatorial candidate.
Minds soared later in the 90-minute gathering, when a group of students shared their “Taking A Stand” essays, stories chosen by DARE instructor and Rumford Patrolman Douglas Maifeld and teachers.
Some of the students were nervous, some not, but all read from papers. They shared what they learned about the dangers of drugs and violence.
“Officer Maifeld has made a tremendous impact on my life by helping me learn about right from wrong, and how to feel better about myself by staying clear of the things that can harm me, my friends, and family,” Jocelyn Larsen said.
Vanessa Swett drew loud applause with her essay, which talked about life choices.
“Some of the people in my family have had a problem with alcohol abuse from when they were in their younger years. I am hoping to break that chain. I am hoping that the DARE program will help me to do that,” Swett said.
Maifeld, who ran the DARE culmination celebration program, said it is the best part of his job as a Rumford policeman.
He hugged or shook hands with every DARE graduate when they took center stage to get diplomas and gifts from teachers, Jenkins, Rumford Town Manager Stephen Eldridge, Mexico Town Manager John Madigan, Wilton police Chief Wayne Gallant, who started SAD 43’s DARE program as a Rumford policeman in 1988, and Rumford police Chief Stacy Carter.
After the ceremony, people approached Jenkins and thanked him for speaking, then shared remembrances of the times they, too, heard Jenkins give speeches when they were students.
Jenkins, who said he has been doing public speaking for 38 years, was visibly moved.
“This is awesome. I feel like they’re all my kids,” he said.
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