BRUNSWICK – The 13th annual Highland Middle School DARE skate night rolled to a super-success Feb. 8 at the Brunswick Skate Station. With 276 middle schoolers and fifth-graders in attendance, which included 58 eighth-grade and high school DARE role models, it can safely be said that a good time was had by all.

This is the second year the DARE Middle School skate night was opened to include the fifth-graders.

“We want them to experience the fun and friendships of the students they will be joining in August at the middle school,” explained DARE officer Deputy Sharon Centner.

It was a fun-filled night for the youngsters. Highland parent Chris Kalina, who is development director at the Medina County Career Center, assisted by his wife, Carrie, gave on-the-spot skating lessons to several of the children who needed some assistance.

Claudia Johnson, Highland drug prevention counselor, and DARE role models also helped at the event.

Centner said one of the selections played during the evening for the skaters was the DARE song, “I Will DARE.” Its message is: D, I won’t do drugs; A, I won’t have an attitude; R, I will respect myself; and E, I will educate me now.

She stated, “I am pleased with how the DARE skate nights have grown over the years. The positive message this fun event sends to our students about having fun with friends, making good choices and being drug free is what the program is all about.”

DARE is funded by the Medina County Drug Abuse Commission (MCDAC), which is supported by the county anti-drug levy.