Salem Teen Will be Oregon D.A.R.E. Advisor

The Youth Advisory Board is composed of 50 members, one from each state. It gives D.A.R.E. graduates an opportunity to speak to issues impacting both national and worldwide D.A.R.E. programs.

Matthew Clarke is a freshman at South Salem High School Photo courtesy: Salem D.A.R.E. Program

(SALEM., Ore.) - Salem Police say they are proud to announce that a local student and graduate of the D.A.R.E. program has been selected to serve as an advisor on D.A.R.E. America's Youth Advisory Board.

Matthew Clarke, a 2004 D.A.R.E. graduate from Morningside Elementary School, is currently a freshman at South Salem High School and has a 3.48 GPA. He is described as a hard worker in school, and his activities include football, wrestling, baseball, Boy Scouts, and he is also a Salem Police Cadet.

Craig Seibel from the Salem, Oregon Police D.A.R.E. Program

Matthew's family says his life was greatly impacted by the D.A.R.E. program. He was nominated by D.A.R.E. Officer Craig Seibel and selected through a state-wide search process.

The Youth Advisory Board is composed of 50 members, one from each state. It gives D.A.R.E. graduates an opportunity to speak to issues impacting both national and worldwide D.A.R.E. programs.

It is also an opportunity for members to advise D.A.R.E. America on local programs and to speak to government and community leaders on drug and violence prevention strategies beneficial to our youth.

Salem Police Spokesman Dave Okada says the Youth Advisory Board is constantly at work, leading Peer PLUS Programs, engaging in letter writing, media response, role modeling and speaking at D.A.R.E. functions throughout the nation. Board members are eligible for a $20,000 D.A.R.E. America Scholarship upon their graduation from high school.

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Salem Police say the program is a research-based and proven effective program designed to help students make good choices and stay safe.

"The Salem Police Department D.A.R.E. Program is active in making a difference in the lives of young people in our community, and we extend a very sincere Congratulations to Matthew and his family."

Source: Salem Police