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Celebration marks 5 years of anti-gang program

Wilson Daily Times - 8/24/2017

Aug. 24--The Wilson County Sheriff's Office is gearing up for a celebratory event Saturday for children of all ages. The office will bring games, rides, music and a K-9 demonstration for kids from noon to 3 p.m. on the Wilson County Public Library lawn.

The free event was organized to celebrate five years of its Gang Resistance Education and Training program taught in the Wilson County public school system. Avoiding gangs, crime and drugs are key components of the GREAT program. Students also learn how to make good decisions, set life goals and resolve disagreements.

The community-wide event is open to all youth and families. Children will also be treated to hot dogs, popcorn, drinks and cotton candy.

"We look forward to an awesome event with displays from the Dive Team, Special Response Team, child IDs, water slides, obstacle course and other activities will be available," Sheriff Calvin Woodard said. "I hope the citizens bring out the kids, towels, the lounge chairs and help us celebrate this remarkable achievement, because our children are the 'Shining GREAT Stars' rising within our community."

Officials say Saturday's fun-filled event will bring law enforcement and the community together to celebrate Wilson County's children.

Woodard said the GREAT program has been a success and he's always been excited about it since its implementation within the schools.

"I appreciate the Wilson County Schools Central Office administration, principals and the teachers who have made this a reality within the classroom," he said. "I celebrated the Shining GREAT Star with a kickoff with much success, and I wanted to celebrate the event every five years."

Deputies teach the GREAT curriculum to seventh-graders at each Wilson County middle school. GREAT is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Woodard, who taught the DARE anti-drug curriculum to fifth-graders as a deputy, first learned of the program when he was campaigning for sheriff's in 2010 and set a goal to bring it to Wilson County.

"GREAT is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence and gang membership," Woodard said. "It is designed for children in the years immediately before prime ages (11-13) for introduction into gangs and delinquent behavior. "

He said GREAT is an evidence-based national and international gang and violence prevention program that builds trust between law enforcement and the community.

"The program is built around school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curricula as well as provides a continuum of components for children and their families," he said. "These components include a 13-lesson middle school curriculum that is currently being taught by the school resource officers assigned to the middle school. With the many issues surrounding drugs and gangs, I feel as though this is vital instructions for our children."

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(c)2017 The Wilson Daily Times (Wilson, N.C.)

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