For the past 20 years, Tamaqua's Drug Abuse Resistance Education program has been holding graduation ceremonies for fifth-grades students in St. Jerome's Regional, West Penn Elementary and the Tamaqua Elementary schools.

Starting out in 1990 as Tamaqua "Drug Busters," the program has evolved over the years, changing with the times, which included steep budget cuts.On Thursday, 217 students took the pledge to remain drug free during a program held in the Tamaqua School District Auditorium.D.A.R.E. is an international program founded by former Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates in response to an increase in gang violence and illegal drug use. It has expanded to include supplemental classes for seventh-grade students, despite cut backs in funding on all political levels.Tamaqua's program coordinator, Police Cpl. Dwayne Hacker, said the program "benefits the entire community."Students have the opportunity to get to know local police officers while learning the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol. They know us. Know they can come to us if they feel scared or threatened or if they see or hear something bad," said Hacker, a member of the Tamaqua police department.The 10-week interactive course is not just about drugs and alcohol, but also about the dangers of peer pressure and the consequences of one's actions. A segment on bullying has also been added.For this year's graduation ceremony, motivational speaker James Warren provided his "Magic With a Message" show, intertwining magic acts with the principles of the

D.A.R.E. program.Once funded by federal, state and local monies, the Tamaqua program now relies on the generosity of the community.In 1992, the

D.A.R.E Steering Committee was formed to help local police officers with

D.A.R.E.-related activities. The steering committee has become more than just a cheering section and extra hands during events, such as the

D.A.R.E. challenge and graduation. Tamaqua's committee is now responsible for raising every penny of funding.When the borough voted to drop

D.A.R.E. funding from its budget, Hacker and Tamaqua patrolman Michael Hobbs volunteered to continue as instructors, citing their belief in the program's importance, teaching the classes on their days off. West Penn Police Sgt. Jason Lorah also sees the benefit of the program, providing instruction to classes at the West Penn Elementary School.A number of local businesses were credited with helping the program survive, with Air Products and Chemicals leading the way in sponsorship dollars.Fundraising efforts for the 2014-2015 course will get underway on April 26, when a roast beef dinner will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Tamaqua Rescue Squad headquarters, 19 Pine St., Tamaqua. Advance tickets are available from any committee member or by calling 570-225-1171.