MILLIS -- After reading your editorial on Jan. 24 (Use schools to teach kids about drugs) I felt obligated to respond. Your final paragraph contained the only statement that I agreed with: "It's vitally important that we teach our children about the dangers of drug abuse and addictive behavior." I found the remainder of your opinion to be unfair and uninformed.

I went through the DARE program in elementary school, and have been involved with the program for most of my high school years. A senior now, I have been a DARE Role Model, and for the past two years have served as the Massachusetts Representative to DARE America's Youth Advisory Board (YAB). I have witnessed first hand the presentation of the curriculum, and wholeheartedly disagree with your statement that "it doesn't work." I have met over 200 DARE officers from around the country, and the one common denominator is their dedication to the kids. Some arrive early, some stay late, and some teach on their days off. Others volunteer their time, because it wouldn't get done otherwise, still others use the curriculum as an introduction, and branch out into other areas such as after school programs, athletic events, summer camps and countless other activities. To most DARE officers it isn't about the money nor the time, it's about the kids. These officers aren't looking for personal or professional promotions and aren't asking for credit or recognition, their only intentions are to make kids understand that drugs and alcohol are not a requirement to having fun.

In Millis, the DARE program is presented with the approval of parents and school administrators, and the classes are worked around the students' already full schedules. I am sure you will find that is the case in most districts where DARE is presented, if you are willing to look. There is no way to "prove" that DARE works, but try looking at the positives instead of the negatives. Instead of stating, "37 percent of 12th graders used marijuana," why not write about the 63 percent that didn't use marijuana? Instead of criticizing the Northborough Police Chief for reviving DARE, commend him and the other chiefs who support DARE for being proactive, finding a way to address what we all agree has become an epidemic among children and young adults. If DARE is just, as you say, a "politically popular" program, why then did Governor Swift cut all funding and close the Governor's Alliance Against Drugs? In addition, your article mocked the Northborough Chief for saying that if you reach one student, DARE is a success. Would you still feel  that way if that one child were your child?

I am glad that I went through the DARE program, and even more thankful that I am still involved in what I believe to be a worthwhile program. DARE made a difference for me, and I hope that I can help make a difference for others.

MARY KATE DUFFY, DARE America YAB, Millis