The 106 boys and girls of the Col. John Siegfried Elementary School's sixth-grade class held a gradation June 7.

But, instead of being in cap and gown and receiving diplomas, the students participated in a ceremony marking the completion of the D.A.R.E. (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education) program.

Northampton Couny Judge Emil Giordano, keynote speaker, congratulated students on completing the six-week D.A.R.E. course taught by Police Chief Ron Morey and then turned his attention to the parents, many of whom attended the ceremony.

"Know where your kids are, know who their friends are, know what they are doing. If not, that's a problem," Giordano said.

Looking out to the sea of children seated on the gym floor wearing black T-shirts with red D.A.R.E. lettering, the judge spoke of a family friend of his whose son smoked marijuana. It seemed to be no big deal. The boy later got into trouble later for minor crimes and then was arrested for a robbery attempt. Now he's in jail and that is a big deal, Giordano said.

Teacher Gary Pierzga, D.A.R.E. advisor, said the program is an effective tool, saying 75 percent of schools acros country have such programs.

Morey said the students were attentive, asking questions as they learned the pitfalls of drug and alcohol abuse and bulllying.

Northampton Mayor Thomas Reenock advised the students to go to a police officer if they have an issue or just to introduce themselves.

"The police officer is your friend," Reenock said.

As part of the D.A.R.E. graduation, essay winners read their works. First-place winners, Brooke Brida, Zoe Kondravy Abigail Stoudt, Madison Saladino, Patrick McShane and Trevor Stone, received large stuffed lions.

Runners-up were Gianna Winkelbauer, Emily Franco, Victoria Unangst, Arianna Troxell, Madison Watson, Alison Serensits, Shelby Tully, Ashley Snyder, Madison Watson, Caroline Bischoff, Brittany Brown and Megan Moser.