Once the spring blossoms fill the crisp air over Castle Country it seems as though the multitude of activities increase by the day. In the newspaper game spring is one of the businesses seasons and last weekend was a good example of that.
With the community yard sale, little league baseball parade, CEU graduation, fiddler’s jam, in addition to the preparation for the upcoming Vacation Guide and Farm and Ranch edition, the reporters at the Sun Advocate were out in force this weekend. But what this really means is a promise of more to come as we launch into the summer.
As I prepare for the upcoming season two things have crossed my desk that I would like to share. A couple weeks ago I covered one of the DARE graduation ceremonies and was very impressed with the students as they head into the sixth grade. This is a tough age for our kids and a crucial time for parents, teachers and the community to give direction.. A lot of growing and changing happens when our children are in the fourth through sixth grades. DARE, among other programs, are so valuable in giving our children direction as they enter junior high.
The winner of Castle Heights Elementary school essay contest is Dallen Garvin and I was impressed with his essay and want to share it with our readers. He is a fifth grader at the school.
“I believe that as a citizen of the United States it is my duty to live by the laws of my country. In order to do that I must make wise choices about the things I do and say. The DARE Program has helped me learn more about positive and negative choices and the consequences that each can bring.
The DARE Program has taught me many ways to help me make wise choices. I learned ways I could make positive choices without offending others. Sometimes the positive choices that I make can help others to make better choices in their lives too! I can say no to the negative influences in my life, because it is my life and my choices.
I like to play sports, but I know that if I take drugs I will not be very good. I need to do things that will help my body and not harm it. I know many people have chosen to do drugs, and it has kept them from doing well in the activities they have wanted to do. My dad was a coach and has told me about kids that had a lot of talent, but they didn’t make good choices. They were not able to participate in their favorite sports, because of their bad choices.
I believe every good citizen must keep the laws of the land, so our communities will be safe to live in. Drugs are against the law and can cause many people harm. I want to be a good citizen and keep my mind and body free from harm. If I work hard to do my part I can help to make my community a better place to live and work.”
These may be words from a fifth grader, but could you imagine what would happen to our community if everyone could read this essay and practive Dallen’s advice.
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