An Independent Weekly Newspaper
Memorial Day May 30, 2011
Hudson~Litchfield News
Hudson~Litchfield News Volume 21 Number 44 May 27, 2011 20 Pages
D.A.R.E. Graduates Largest Litchfield Class
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Students line up to receive their certificates before walking across the stage
by Doug Robinson The Campbell High School auditorium was a sea of red color as more than 150 fifth-grade students filled the auditorium in preparation for their graduating ceremonies. “This is by far our largest amount of students who have participated in the D.A.R.E. program,” commented Litchfield School Superintendent Dr. Elaine Cutler. All fifth-grade students in the
Litchfield school system participate in the 16-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. At the completion of their lessons, school officials, teachers, administrators, and Litchfield’s Chief of Police sponsor a graduation for the students, complete with certificates of completion. Over 43 countries worldwide participate in D.A.R.E., a program designed to teach students the dangers of drugs and alcohol. “The D.A.R.E. program is a national program created to help young people to be ready for the challenges of adolescence,” commented Litchfield Police Officer Bob Bennett. The D.A.R.E. program taught the
children how to say “No, manage peer pressure, and think for” themselves, stated Bennett. “People will really hustle you and tease you to take drugs or risk being a castoff. I am here today to tell you that sometimes students fail. They take or sell prescription drugs from their parents, or give their own medications to their friends who beg them. Some kids have older brothers, sisters, or family members who abuse drugs and make it difficult to stay away from that dangerous path. This
is not an easy challenge that you have been given.” “But like any great challenge that will determine so much in your life, this is a challenge you can win. Your best defense is within you today as well as with you today or thinking about you while they are at work or at home. You know the right decisions to make. You are smart. You have skills and knowledge.” As the student’s names were read, and each was given the opportunity to walk across the auditorium’s stage and receive their diploma from Police Chief Joe O’Brien. Middle School Principal Tom Lecklider, Superintendent Cutler, and Officer Bennett congratulated each graduate. All students were offered the opportunity to write an essay at the conclusion highlighting what they
learned. Emma Rousseau earned top honors for her essay, which began, “Don’t let cigars, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs trick you. They might be addictive, but I guarantee you they aren’t good for you at all. I learned so much, thanks to Officer Bennett and other kids in my class. I learned how many poisons are in these nasty substances and how many people they kill. All of what Officer Bennett has taught me can help me in times of need. For example: someone might come up to me and ask if I would like a cigarette, with the knowledge that I have been taught, I will say, ‘no’ the right way.” Officer Bob graded the three-page report by stating, “Outstanding and well organized report. I like the examples you used to make your points. Great job.”
see more photos on page 11 Mariela Barrientos and Ian Graham
Community Comes Together at Expo
Did you hear about a new bakery in
town ... or about the new promotions offered at your local community bank or credit union … or learn the new location of the local physical therapy business? How about some of the projects going on at Benson’s Park ... or that our local high school was recognized as the 2011 NH Secondary School for Excellence? Well, the recent 2011 Community Expo sponsored by the Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce provided local residents the opportunity to find out more about such businesses as Klemm’s Bakery, Digital Credit Union, the Center for Physical Therapy & Exercise, the
Essay winner Emma Rousseau was rewarded with a new bike, helmet, and a very huggable D.A.R.E. bear
Christopher Gillespie Crowned Mr. CHS
by Doug Robinson They modeled fashions, danced, hugged, laughed until tears ran down their cheeks, and answered “important” questions as they strutted their stuff to become Campbell High School’s Mr. CHS 2011. Dubbed the Mr. CHS competition, 13 male students volunteered to compete not only for the title, but more importantly to bring the school together and help raise funds for the family of 2009 CHS graduate Dean Michael Andrews, 19, who passed away in April 2011 after a “courageous, two-year battle with cancer.” The Mr. CHS competitors
Chris Gillespie with his sash and crown as Mr. CHS
were challenged to model both swimwear and evening wear, perform a “talent,” and submit to a questionnaire. CHS Principal Robert Manseau, Social Studies Teacher Lisa
Dunn, and Science Teacher Lynn Gnaegy were tasked with the duties of judging the event. The Mistress of Ceremonies was the former Ms. Nebraska of the Ms. America Pageant and present CHS Music Teacher Jill Deleault. “We are committed to helping our community, and the Mr. CHS competition gives us that opportunity,” commented CHS Student Council Co- President Kristen Hrubowchak. “While the crowned winner gets bragging rights once crowned, we hope to raise a lot of money for Dean’s family.” After having danced to the music, modeled with enthusiasm and spirit, and completed the interview with wisdom and knowledge, CHS student Christopher Gillespie earned and received the Mr. CHS crown once the vote was tallied.
Entertaining tunes from the Alvirne Jazz Band!
Friends of Benson’s Park and Alvirne High School, and so much more! It was a great event that combined the local businesses with the community and school organizations all in one place. This collaborative event brought all aspects of the community together, giving each an opportunity to shine. The 2011 Community Expo
was another success with many new exhibitors from the business community as well as local organizations and school groups. Thank you to all that participated and to everyone that stopped by!
Enterprise Bank Memorial Day Parade & Services
Hudson - Monday, May 30 The annual Hudson Memorial Day Parade will step off at 2 p.m. at the Hannaford Supermarket, 77 Derry Road, Hudson, and will run to the Center, where services will be held.
Litchfield - Monday, May 30 The annual Memorial Day Exercises in the town of Litchfield are under the direction of the Litchfield Historical Society. A parade will step off from the middle school at 10 a.m. and march up the Charles Bancroft Highway to the Historical Society Building. Anyone wishing to march in the parade is asked to line up at the middle school at 9:30 a.m. In
observance of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, a special exhibit of Civil War artifacts will be on display at the Litchfield Historical Society Building immediately following the services. The Campbell High School Band and Chorus will provide musical accompaniment to the service.
Showtime Computers
Alvirne Prom
staff photo by Doug Robinson
staff photos by Doug Robinson courtesy photos staff photo by Len Lathrop
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