Dover Police hold DARE graduation for more than 200 fifth-graders

posted on 3/24/2026

Dover Police Chief David Terlemezian is pleased to announce that the Dover Police Department held its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) graduation for Dover Middle School on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the school gymnasium. A total of 207 fifth-grade students celebrated the completion of the 12-week DARE curriculum.

This year’s ceremony marked a return to the large-scale format traditionally used for DARE graduations prior to the pandemic.

More than 120 parents and family members joined students, teachers, and school staff to celebrate the accomplishment. Also in attendance were several city and school leaders, including Chief Terlemezian, Superintendent Christine Boston, and Mayor Dennis Shanahan, along with several members of the Dover City Council. The event also recognized the department’s five DARE instructors: Officers “Louie” Berdecia, Bryon Gore, Derek O’Neil, Jonathan Palmer, and retired Dover Police Capt. Dana Mitchell, who led students through the program.

As part of the curriculum, each student completed a persuasive essay discussing why their peers should avoid vaping. The assignment, completed in Language Arts class, asked students to apply the knowledge and resistance strategies they learned in DARE to encourage their peers to make healthy, drug-free choices. The winning essays were written by James Demers and Jameson Roux, who both read their essays aloud during the ceremony.

Following the presentations, students were awarded their DARE certificates. Graduates also received Drug Free IDs, which provide discounts at several participating local businesses.

The DARE program continues to be a valued partnership between the Dover Police Department and the Dover School District, reinforcing positive decision-making skills and building strong connections between students, educators, and law enforcement.