Watts
Challenges D.A.R.E.
Graduates To Lead By Example
Former
University of Alabama quarterback Tyler Watts signs
autographs during the D.A.R.E. graduation program Thursday
night.
Arab Today photo by Dwight Hayes
April 24,
2009
Former University of
Alabama quarterback Tyler Watts delivered the keynote
address during the Arab Elementary / Arab Police Department
D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony Thursday night. Watts
challenged the 205 5th graders to use what they have learned
to be there for others, to lead by example, and to always do
the right thing. Watts told the group that
"practice time is over and it's time to suit up and play
ball." He also encouraged parents to be there for
their children and to learn to communicate with them about
the dangers of drugs. Growing up, Watts said he
thought his father was nosy, "Looking back I understand that
he was active in my life because he cared for me and there
is not a day that I don't appreciate him.
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The D.A.R.E program means a lot to me.
It helps me to have the courage to say NO to drugs and peer
pressure. D.A.R.E. has taught me about the dangers of
drugs. D.A.R.E has taught me the skills to avoid and evade
drugs. It has also taught me to never do anything that
someone is pressuring you to do.
Having the courage to say no to drugs is very
important. It takes a lot of courage to say no and to walk
away when a person or a group is trying to get you to do
something that you know is wrong. You will feel stronger
and better about yourself when you tell someone that is
pressuring yo to do drugs that, "I have never ever done drugs
and never will. So, no thank you." As you walk away,
I promise you will feel like Superman.
Drugs are very dangerous. They are
addictive and can kill you. Some drugs can make you sick
and can also make you do things that you normally wouldn't do.
They can also harm your relationships with your family and
friends. Another thing, drugs like marijuana, cocaine,
crystal meth, crack, and PCP are illegal and can get you
arrested. However, even though alcohol and tobacco
products are legal, using them can also harm your health.
The skills we have learned in the D.A.R.E.
program are very important to me and my classmates. Rather
than just teaching us to say "no", it teaches us how to say no
even when we are uncomfortable saying so. I make my own
decisions and I want to be in control of my life. So, I
choose to say no to drugs and peer pressure and I really hope
you will too.
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