Fifth-grade students in Orchard Park are graduating from the D.A.R.E. program, which aims to keep them from doing drugs and from other negative behaviors, according to a release from the Police Department.

Orchard Park D.A.R.E. Officers Patrick Fitzgerald and Leonard Govenettio teach the program.

Four classes from Eggert Elementary School graduated on Jan. 23, one class from St. Bernadette School graduated on Jan. 24, and one class from Nativity of Our Lord School graduated on Jan. 25. Ellicott Elementary School held its graduation for five classes on Jan. 30.

During the Eggert Road graduation, one student from each of the classes read an essay they wrote about what they learned during the program. Students spoke about the negative effects of doing drugs along with lessons they’d learned such as choosing friends wisely.

Students who graduate receive certificates, listen to a guest speaker, and are recognized by elected town and county officials, along with police and school district administrators. Afterward they are treated to a pizza party.

Windom and South Davis will begin the D.A.R.E. program soon and will also graduate students before the end of the school year.