Shelby student nominated to National D.A.R.E. Youth Advocacy Board
Jack Droelle, a 9th grader at
Shelby Junior High, was at home preparing for the start of his freshman
year when he received the good news that he had been selected to be the
Michigan representative to the National D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education) Youth Advocacy Board.
Nominated by Officer Leslie
Heisler, the D.A.R.E. officer for the Shelby Township Police Department,
Droelle was surprised to hear he had been selected from a statewide
pool of student candidates. However, most who know Jack are not
surprised at all. Droelle’s community involvement runs deep including
founding a Junior Optimist Club and leading a fundraiser for the local
non-profit, Macomb Foster Closet. He is very excited for all the
opportunities that come along with his new role including speaking to
UCS 6th graders in the D.A.R.E. program and traveling to speaking
engagements in other communities.
Selected for their academic
achievement and leadership qualities, the board seats youth of
exceptional dedication and commitment from across the country to act as
liaisons between D.A.R.E. America and the communities. It is composed
of 50 members, one student from each state.
“Jack is an outstanding
student and will make a wonderful D.A.R.E. ambassador,” said Dr.
Christine Johns, Superintendent of Schools. “We are very pleased to
have him represent Utica Community Schools here in our community, across
the state and the country. Peer-to-peer, Jack’s message will resonate
with fellow students. His commitment to lead a healthy and safe
lifestyle along with his pledge to be a positive role model are traits
that exemplify the best in UCS students.”
“We were thrilled to get word
that our local nominee for the D.A.R.E. Youth Advocacy Board was
awarded a spot on the National Committee,” announced Shelby Township
Chief of Police Robert J. Shelide. “It is important that our local kids
feel like they have a voice in their future, and Jack is getting the
opportunity to be that voice. Our D.A.R.E. program aims at helping kids
to make good choices and to lead safe and healthy lifestyles. Jack
embodies that idea, and we are sure he will represent us well with his
insight and commitment to this community. We expect to see great
things come from his participation on this board.”
School safety and security
remains a top priority for UCS. Programs such as D.A.R.E. give students
strategies to address critical issues such as bullying, digital
citizenship and substance abuse as well as an opportunity to have a
positive interaction with local law enforcement officers.