RUMFORD — Drug Abuse Resistance Education, more commonly known as D.A.R.E., is so much more than lessons on not doing drugs, according to Regional School Unit 10 School Resource Officer Doug Maifeld.

“We talk about nonverbal communication. We talk about good communication. Lessons on violence. Lessons on bullying,” Maifeld said. “Just the last couple years, I started talking about social media, which seems to be almost the most important thing that there is, and probably the most interactive lesson I get from the students.”

Maifeld led a graduation for the 39th class May 22 in the Muskie Auditorium at Mountain Valley High School. He has been instructing the D.A.R.E. program for the past 33 years, teaching fifth grade students the dangers of drugs, violence, bullying and social media.

“For me, what I like to tell them, and it’s even on the back of my trading card, is the power that they have — that no one can make you do something that’s wrong or dangerous,” Maifeld said. “However, I did reinforce that if some of them happen to come home and said they had the power and they weren’t going to clean their room. That did not come from me. There’s a time and place for that power.”

A student from each of the four fifth grade classes was selected to read their D.A.R.E. essay before the audience.

“Making the right choices in difficult situations is a vital skill that helps prevent small problems from spiraling into major conflicts,” Raegan Lyle said. “When we react impulsively or make the wrong decision, we often made a situation much worse that it needs to be.

“Instead of reacting with anger or confusion, taking a second to think through the outcome of your actions ensures that you stay in control of the situation rather than letting the situation control you.”

Brennah Freeman said she is not going to be a bystander if a bully is “hurting me or my friends. I’m going to speak up to the bully, because bullying isn’t cool, especially when we are going to be with each other for the rest of our life in school.”

Heavenly Hodgkiss said through DARE she learned about resisting if she got bullied. “I learned some tips like to ask yourself, is it continuous? Was it on purpose? It it necessary?”

She learned the importance of knowing the difference between tattling and telling, regarding bullying. “Telling can do a lot, unlike tattling, so stand up, whether it’s quiet or loud, don’t be a bystander.”

Phoenix Howard explained that active listening is good for you. “It helps you focus better. It helps you show others you are actively listening to them and what is being said. It can help you be a good and a bad friend sometimes to others.”

Last year, Maifeld selected several students to join him at Camp POSTCARD. This year’s invitees include Brennan Freeman, Hailey Harmon, Zayden Mackerron, Christy Hutchinson, Emmyt Messier and Ashley Chase.

Camp POSTCARD (Police Officers Striving to Create and Reinforce Dreams) is a free, week-long summer program in Maine for fifth and sixth graders. Held annually at Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, it allows children to experience outdoor adventures and build life skills while being mentored by volunteer first responders and law enforcement officers.

Winners of the positive message license plate slogan competition were Montana Rose, Munroe Lavertu, Mason Kumar and Amelia Salgado.

Rumford Power donated the D.A.R.E. T-shirts worn by the students.

The graduation certificates were presented by the teachers, with each student receiving a D.A.R.E. water bottle and gift card for a free ice cream at Frosty Delight. Students will also receive a free lemonade from Riley’s Quench Lemonade and Coffee Espresso bar.

The D.A.R.E. fifth graders were also invited to go watch a Sea Dogs game June 2 in Portland.

The ceremony concluded with a slideshow featuring photos taken during the 14 weeks of D.A.R.E.

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