Attorney General Takes Part in Tangipahoa D.A.R.E. Graduation
US State News - May 2009

Attorney General Caldwell

Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell was proud to participate in the D.A.R.E. graduation at Martha Vinyard School in Ponchatoula on Monday, May 11th. The Attorney General was invited by Sheriff Daniel Edwards and Deputy Bud Cason, Tangipahoa's D.A.R.E. coordinator, to be the keynote speaker.

D.A.R.E is a comprehensive drug education/life skills program jointly administered by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's office and the Tangipahoa Parish School System.

AG Caldwell took the opportunity to tell the graduates and their families how important this achievement is. Caldwell also reminded the students that graduation from D.A.R.E. is just the beginning in their effort to say no to drugs. "Tonight is the beginning of your battle against drugs," said the Attorney General. "You must take everything you've learned in this program and put it into action in the 6th grade, 7th grade and from the rest of your life."

Caldwell, who spent 29 years as a District Attorney before becoming Attorney General, told the students nearly 85% of the criminals he prosecuted had used drugs prior to committing the crime. "It's not always what you do that determines your future but what you don't do", said Caldwell. "You have to have guts to do what's right. Resist the temptation to try drugs."

Caldwell encouraged the students to get involved in extra curricular activities like music and sports. "You can have music and you don't need drugs," said Caldwell, an accomplished musician himself. "Music goes to the soul of every person. You can have sports: baseball, basketball, racquetball, whatever you like and you can do it without drugs."

Caldwell congratulated each student as he helped hand out their commemorative t-shirts and awards.

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