Knoch Intermediate Elementary School essay winners are, back row, from left, Daniel Martin, Deputy Bryce Foreback, Emrie Kozora, Wesley Hager, Jordan Gealey, Serena Wichrowski, Ella Bergbigler, Lea Caudill, Avelynn Brickett, school DARE coordinator Alana Johnston and Addison Hildebrand. In the front row are Willow Fichter, Grace Powell, Harper Lauer, Paige Palmer, Brynleigh Krepp, Eric Hixon, Nora Griffith, and Ella Riley, Not pictured is Riley Smith. Submitted Photo

Knoch Intermediate Elementary School fifth grade students celebrated Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) graduation on Jan. 18.

Bryce Foreback, county sheriff’s deputy, presented all students with DARE graduation certificates, and essay contest winners were named.

Paige Palmer was the overall essay contest winner for the school. Three winners were named in each fifth grade classroom.

DARE provides education on resisting peer pressure, good decision-making skills and living productive, healthy, drug-free lives.

Many schools across Butler County participate in the DARE program with the county sheriff’s department.