Vidalia — The most important thing Cruse Cain learned during the 17 weeks he spent hearing about resisting drugs and violence was the power of a two-letter word.

“All you have to do is say, ‘No,’” the fifth-grade Vidalia Upper Elementary School student said. “Nothing else matters when someone tries to get you to do drugs or try alcohol. The only thing that matters is we have the power to say, ‘No.’”

Cain was one of the 101 VUE fifth-grade students who attended a graduation ceremony Thursday as part of the D.A.R.E. program.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education is an international education program created in 1983 in Los Angeles that seeks to prevent the use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs and violent behavior.

The program is taught in every state in the United States and 43 countries around the world.

More than 300 law enforcement officers in Louisiana teach the program, including four active D.A.R.E. officers who teach at Concordia Parish schools.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Uzella Frazier, who has taught the program in the parish for 16 years, spoke to the students, parents and family members gathered Thursday at the VUE gym about the importance of the program.

“As these students grow to be responsible citizens, they will lead healthier lives and make drug-free and violence-free choices,” Frazier said. “By helping and being good citizens, you can be safe and productive members of the community.”

The guest speaker at the event was Vidalia Police Department Capt. Sheila McFarland, who was the first CPSO female deputy and worked as a D.A.R.E. instructor for 12 years before retiring as an investigator.

McFarland asked the students to always think about their decisions when confronted by someone offering them drugs or alcohol.

“Think about your choices and make the right decision without being pressured,” McFarland said. “Do what you know is right and that can’t harm you.”

McFarland also asked parents and family members to be a dependable and reliable support system for the graduates at all times.

“With your guidance and your support, your child can do or be whatever they want to be,” she said. “Teach them to be responsible and teach them to think for themselves and to try and make the right choices.”

Three students from each of the six classes were recognized for their work on an essay contest.

Cain was among those students selected, but was also named as the overall winner of the essay contest.

Cain’s essay described the dangers those who use drugs and alcohol could face in their lives.

“I tried to talk about what all the bad things that can happen in your life if you do those things,” said Cain, after the graduation ceremony. “The other big thing was to not be afraid to ask a parent or teacher for help if you need it.”

The ceremony closed with the other D.A.R.E. officers and VUE teachers presenting Frazier with a token of appreciation, as the graduation ceremony marked her last year affiliated with the program.

“You are a special class, because you are my last class,” said Frazier, as she wiped away tears. “Always reach for the stars, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything.”