Mary Kate Duffy was surrounded by several local kids as she stood in the center of a bowling lane. As soon as Duffy released the small candlepin Ball down the lane, the kids scrambled to get another ball for the Millis High School senior.
“These kids really look up to Mary Kate as a role model,” said Sgt. Peter McGowan, the town’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officer, at the Crown Family Fun Center on Main Street last week. “She’s convinced she can make a difference in their lives.”

The evening at the bowling alley was part of a six-week program for grades five through eighth called Peer Plus, organized by Duffy as part of the DARE program. Other activities throughout the program include a movie event, magic show and a sports day. Duffy said the purpose of the program is to show kids there are better things in life than doing drugs and alcohol.

“I have a lot of these kids in DARE class and I wanted to plan some lighthearted and fun activities for them,” said Duffy, who is also president of Students Against Dangerous Decisions (SADD). “This way they can hang out with some of the older kids and see each other as role models.

It makes me feel good that they look up to me and it makes me happy to see them having fun. This is kids being kids and that’s the way life should be.”

Duffy said she wants the DARE program to be a positive influence on the lives of the kids, much like it was for her.

“I took DARE in fifth grade and I’ve been involved with it ever since,” said Duffy. “For me, the program dispelled the myths in school that everyone is doing drugs and alcohol. It really taught me the bad impact drugs and alcohol has on a person’s life. It definitely changed my life. I want the kids to learn that same lesson.”

“Mary Kate has been terrific,” said McGowan. “She’s great with the kids. She’s a big asset to the DARE Program. A good portion of the success of the DARE program is due to her effort.”

The kids said they love the program. “I like it, because we get to get away and have a good time with our friends,” said Christy Meuse, 12. “We’re taught not to use drugs, because you could die.”

“We learned that we can do anything we want in life without drugs and smoking and stuff,” said Ashley Sullivan, 10. “If we do drugs, we will die and we couldn’t have fun with our friends.”

“I think its fun, because we get to do cool things with Mary Kate and Sgt. McGowan,” said Katelyn Ranley, 11. “They taught us there are better things in life than drugs.”

DARE, including the Peer Plus program, is completely funded by donations and fundraisers. “It takes about $15,000 to run the program each year,” said McGowan. “We do a lot of things for the kids. We visit the elementary schools a lot through the year. The Lions Club always matches the yearly private donations. We are set to run a full year of activities. We don’t have to worry about the program until next year.”

To make a donation to the DARE program, make checks payable to the DARE Program. “One hundred percent of the donations go to the kids,” said McGowan. “It goes for supplies, trips and all the activities.”