Medart 5th Graders Complete Wakulla County Sheriff's Office S.A.V.E. Program

Medart Elementary School held its S.A.V.E. (Substance Abuse and Violence Education) graduation ceremony this past Thursday, May 17 in the school cafetorium.  In order to receive their diplomas, 5th grade students were required to complete an 8-week course taught by Deputy Billy Jones of the Wakulla County Sheriff's Department.  They then had to write an essay on what the S.A.V.E. Program is all about, and also had to pass the S.A.V.E. test with a score of 70% or higher.  Eighty-eight students met the requirements and received their diplomas at the ceremony.

The S.A.V.E. program was created to teach elementary students to be sensitive to various cultures and recognize the danger of substance abuse and violence in our society.  Students learned about positive ways to resolve conflicts, setting goals and meeting them, ways to maintain good self-esteem, positive alternatives to joining gangs, drugs commonly abused by teenagers, and universal togetherness.

Medart Principal Robert Pearce began the graduation ceremony by welcoming all the guests, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Student Council President Michael Cooper.  Deputy Billy Jones of the WCSO spoke on what the S.A.V.E. Program is all about, and then the top five winning S.A.V.E. essays were read out loud by each author.  Madison Harris was the overall essay winner.  Dalton Barteld, Ryan Graddy, Felicia Green, and Adrienne Nelson were the other four essay winners.  Each winner received a trophy, with Madison Harris also receiving a University of Florida football autographed with the signatures of the National Championship team members.

(Pictured above:  Back Row L to R:  Superintendent David Miller, Eli Nichols, Sheriff David Harvey, Deputy Billy Jones, Medart Principal Robert Pearce.  Front Row L to R:  Felicia Green, Adrienne Nelson, Madison Harris, Ryan Graddy, and Dalton Barteld.)

The guest speakers, introduced by Deputy Billy Jones, included Wakulla County Sheriff David Harvey, Wakulla County Superintendent of Schools David Miller, Wakulla High School students Pamela Rosier and Torey Nunn, and Eli Nichols, a Wakulla County native and graduate of Duke University.  Each spoke on the dangers of using drugs and engaging in violence, and how this type of behavior can get in the way of your goals and dreams.  (Pictured:  Graduates Amy Walker and Emily Westmark)

After the speakers, Sheriff Harvey led the students in reciting the S.A.V.E. Graduates Oath:

"I pledge:

I will never get involved with drugs or violence since I have learned the negative consequences they can have on my life.

I will always respect and obey my parents/guardians.

I will always respect my school, property, and the rights of others.

I will share the knowledge I have learned from the S.A.V.E. program and help others be free from drugs and violence.

I will always conduct myself in a respectful manner.

I will always lead others to do right and to assist others who are in trouble and need help.

I will treat everyone fair regardless of their race, color, religion, or place of origin.

I will use my influence to help maintain law and order in our society." 

At this time, the students walked across the stage to receive their S.A.V.E. diplomas from Sheriff David Harvey.  After closing remarks from Principal Pearce, the students and their parents were treated to delicious cake baked by Steve Shores.

Medart Elementary School would like to say a special thanks to Sheriff David Harvey and to Deputy Jones of the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office.  They have committed their time and effort to help the fifth grade students develop skills which will equip them to better handle the pressures of society.

Thanks also to Superintendent of Schools David Miller for allowing the students to participate in the S.A.V.E. Program.

Thanks to McKinney Properties for providing the students with S.A.V.E. shirts.

Thanks to the fifth grade teachers:  Russell Herron, Charlotte Hoover, Jodie Martin, and B. J. Ross for their dedication to education.

Thanks to the paraprofessionals and custodial staff for their efforts in making the graduation ceremony run smoothly.

And special thanks to Tom Dunnaway for helping with event preparations. 

(Pictured above:  Madison Harris with her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Charlotte Hoover) 

Congratulations to all the S.A.V.E. graduates!

This article originally published on May 17, 2007.

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