I strongly disagree with Max Holder's letter (Aug. 15) regarding the effectiveness of DARE.

In 12 years, I have seen what a difference the program has made to my students. I know DARE works. I watched my students use techniques they learned when faced with difficult situations.

I have heard them say, "Remember what our DARE officer said?" Hearing about drugs, alcohol and getting along does not mean the same coming from a teacher as from an officer who has seen what happens when a person makes poor choices. DARE officers taught lessons, greeted children in the mornings, spoke with children between classes, ate lunch with them, talked with children having a difficult time, and helped load buses.

I never heard our officer scare or "brainwash" children. DARE is a well-planned set of lessons designed to give students ways to deal with drugs and peer pressure.

Does Sheriff Barnes realize the mistake he has made? We should be proactive about our children and drugs. DARE is a fantastic program that has stopped many children from taking drugs. Why not do something before they start taking drugs instead of trying to fix the problem after the fact?

Ellen E. Hinshaw
Randleman