Minnesota D.A.R.E. Supporter Receives the

Minnesota Vikings Community Quarterback Award

Courtesy of Kathi Ackerman, Executive Director

Viking Coach Leslie Frazier awarded Jim Gilliaman an honorary football and a donation to Minnesota D.A.R.E., Inc. in his honor.

EDEN PRAIRIE --Jim Gilliam is the president of SUPERVALU’s Northern and Western region. He serves on the Minnesota D.A.R.E., Inc. Board of Directors and has been involved with D.A.R.E. for approximately six years. When he was appointed as the new president of the Northern Region of SUPERVALU, he was told about the region’s past involvement with D.A.R.E. He contacted Minnesota D.A.R.E. and asked to become personally involved. Jim was appointed to the Board and immediately began doing whatever his region could do to help out...MORE

Poster Contest Winners

Courtesy of Kathi Ackerman, Executive Director

Olmsted County Deputy Chad Winters with Byron Middle School 2010 Poster Contest Winners

Water Park of America Sponsors 2010 D.A.R.E. Poster Contest...MORE

Minnesota D.A.R.E. Announces 20th Anniversary

Logo Contest Winner

Courtesy of Kathi Ackerman, Executive Director

Sauk Rapids, MN—On May 18, 2010, the Minnesota D.A.R.E. 20th Anniversary Logo Contest Winner was announced at Sauk Rapids Rice Middle School.  In a surprise assembly of the 7th graders;  Kathi Ackerman—Executive Director of Minnesota D.A.R.E., Inc., announced that the winning logo for the statewide contest was submitted by Maddie W. a 7th grader at the Middle School. 

Deputy Nick Baden, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, is the D.A.R.E. officer for Sauk Rapids. He helped arrange an assembly to surprise the school.  Sheriff Brad Bennett and Maddie’s family made surprise appearances to join in the celebration. 

The Water Park of America donated the grand prize for the contest; a party for 10 at the Water Park of America and a Family Suite for One Night.  Principal Larry Stracek presented Maddie with some special gifts from the school along with some treats for the entire 7th grade.

Minnesota D.A.R.E., Inc. is celebrating 20 years in the state of Minnesota. In honor of this celebration, the Board of Directors wanted the students to tell us why D.A.R.E. is important.  Maddie’s logo and tag statement “One NO Could Make the Difference” does a great job of summing up the importance of good decision making.  This logo will go on display at www.mndare.org and many other statewide celebration pieces.

Ackerman stated, “It is very appropriate that this 20th Anniversary winner be announced today in Benton County.  Benton County trained their first and only D.A.R.E. officer, Nick Baden, in the early 90’s.  The announcement at Sauk Rapids Middle School is being followed by a D.A.R.E. culmination at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids—Benton County’s 100th culmination!”

Benton County D.A.R.E. Celebrates 100th Culmination

Courtesy of Kathi Ackerman, Executive Director

Sheriff Brad Bennett gave a special plaque to Deputy Nick Baden, the department's D.A.R.E. officer since they started the program 18 years ago. 

On May 18, 2010 at Sacred Heart School in Sauk Rapids, MN; the Benton County Sheriff's Department celebrated their 100th culmination.  Students decorated the auditorium in honor of this special occasion and the school provided a reception. 

Minnesota D.A.R.E. Executive Director Kathi Ackerman and Board President Dick Tessier were also in attendance for the special occasion.  Kathi also made a surprise announcement to Stephanie O. from Sacred Heart for receiving 9th place in the D.A.R.E. statewide poster contest.

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