Former Auburn football star Rob Pate addressed the Arab Elementary School 2008 DARE graduation Thursday night.  Pate shared tips that he said would help the students to avoid drugs and have a successful life.  Photo by Dwight Hayes

April 26, 2008
213 Arab Elementary School 5th graders graduated the 2008 Arab Police Department Dare Program during ceremonies held Thursday evening at the Arab High School auditorium.  The graduation program was dedicated as a memorial to former AES Principal Susan Willis who died last year after a long illness. Former Auburn University football standout Rob Pate was the keynote speaker for the event.

Lindy James leads the national anthem during DARE graduation exercises.

Pate, who was born and raised in Birmingham was a four years starter in football, basketball, and baseball in high school and was winner of the Class 5-A Bryant-Jordan Achievement Scholarship.  He chose to attend Auburn University on a football athletic scholarship.  As a four year starter, Pate was a member of many All-Conference teams, was a two-time Academic All-America All District selection, a four-time SEC Honor Roll recipient, and the Pat Dye Leadership Award winner.  Pate graduated from Auburn University in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in zoology.  He graduate from the UAB School of Optometry in May 2007 and currently practices in Hoover for EyeCare Associates, Inc.

Pate told the students how he had to refocus his life after a shoulder injury ended his football career.  "If I had put all of my eggs in one basket, I would have been devastated by the injury," Pate told the group.  "But because of a positive work ethic and determination I was able to graduate with a 3.5 GPA which opened doors to another career."

Pate said that students must develop the "right attitudes about education" in order to succeed.  "Get involved in organizations such as, academics, athletics, band, and drama in order to help stay away from drugs."  Pate said that being a part of an organization helps students to be "larger than self," by helping to find their talent.  Pate said that he had a part in the "Oklahoma" musical during high school.

Pate recently completed writing his first book which has already sold 15,000 copies.  He said that his passion for writing was formed in the 5th grade.  The book is titled A Tiger's Walk: Memoirs of an Auburn Football Player.

Pate offered the following tip to instill confidence and to help stay away from trouble and drugs:

1. Be aware of your actions - Somebody is watching your actions.  "I always wonder what my grandmother would think about my actions." 
2. Identify bad habits and problems - Always ask if your habits hurt others?  Is it good or bad? If I stop a bad habit will it make you a better person?  Is it detrimental to your health?
3. Show off your good qualities - Always be sincere, be yourself and help others.
4. Be honest - both with yourself and others.
5. Be humble - No one is perfect.  Modesty and humbleness leave a far more lasting impact.
6. Motivate yourself - avoid fads just to have popularity.
7. Be incorruptible - Stand firm.  Do what is right.  Your actions or words should not be for sale.
8. Remember to have fun - Laugh at yourself.  Everyone needs to have fun every once in a while.

2008 DARE Essay Winner, Shelby Brakefield presented her essay as part of the program and received an award from APD DARE officer Dewayne Shedd.

Click for additional photos from the ceremony....