Colonel John Siegfried Elementary School, Class of 2016, held graduation April 15 for its 161 fifth-grade students completing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) curriculum.

Held in the school gymnasium, the event was attended by parents and grandparents. The students wore black T-shirts with “D.A.R.E.” in bold red lettering.

In her introduction, Principal Carol Cunningham said D.A.R.E. is a big part in the school’s program for its students.

Each student was called to the stage and awarded a certificate of completion. Seven students placing first in the D.A.R.E. essay contest were awarded large stuffed lions; smaller lions were given for second- and third-place essay winners.

Northampton Police Department Chief Ron Morey, the principal speaker, told students what they learned in their D.A.R.E. classes should bode well for them as they enter the middle school in September.

“Why is D.A.R.E. important?” Chief Morey asked. “It is important for the police officers and the [students] to get to know each other,” he said.

Morey mentioned when the officer first went into the classroom, there were students who were afraid, thinking, “This isn’t going well.”

But that changed, he said.

“We’re here to help you make good choices,” said Morey, who taught D.A.R.E lessons for several years.

Stressing choice several times, Morey said the students were taught not only about the dangers of drugs, tobacco and alcohol, but also bullying, violence, stress and other factors students could face.

Communication is the key, according to Morey.

Police Officer Ryan Konetsky, the D.A.R.E. instructor, spoke of the millions of children the program has reached since it began in Los Angeles years ago. Today, it is a worldwide successful program.

Teacher Michael Stevens, the program coordinator, spoke of the seriousness students put into such the curriculum.

Mayor Thomas Reenock, representing the borough, also attended the graduation.