On February 20, 102 fifth graders at the Apalachin Elementary School graduated from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education ) Program administered by Tioga County Sheriff's Deputies Lenny Jackson and Phil Brown. In the past, D.A.R.E graduates received the D.A.R.E Bear. This year, the mascot was changed to a lion. The first Tioga County D.A.R.E. Lion was presented to Gary Iacovazzi by Deputy Jackson (pictured at right). Gary received the D.A.R.E. Lion on behalf of the Apalachin Lions Club which was recognized for its support of the D.A.R.E. Program.

DARE Pledge Winners: Front Row - Elizabeth Pimpinella, Jennifer Riefler, Sarah Winans, Jennifer Waldo. Back Row - Shelly Burrell, Andrew Pierson

DARE Workbook Winners: Front Row - Robert Misulich, Ryan Tomko, Karen Mathewson, Tom Schultz, Amanda Westbrook, Brent Davis, Erica Hare, Christopher Vos, Kelli Vervalin, Andrea Fiorelli, Kendra Lounsberry. Back Row - Officer Jackson, Mr. McCarty, Deputy Brown, Mr. Iacovazzi.