The Panther Valley Elementary School graduated 150 fifth grade students in the DARE program instructed by Nesquehoning Police Chief Sean Smith.

Funding the graduation was the Panther Creek Partners. Kovatch Corporation awarded the two X Box 350, Atty Michael Greek paid for the two bikes, Mayor Tony Walck supplied the two I Pods and the Nesquehoning Lions Club gave two $25 Savings Bonds.The pizza for the party was from Marco's of Lansford.As each student sported a DARE T-shirt, they received diplomas to signify the culmination of the course. The program took place prior to the pizza party. Mayor Walck told the children that what they learned is very valuable and they should use it when entering the middle school. "Don't ever be afraid of the police," Walck told them.Due to the PSSA testing, the DARE instruction was switched to December last year.