Sheriff Ralph Lopez

Recognizes

James Madison High School J.R.O.T.C.

(PHOTO: from left to right: Deputy Chief Andres Lozano, Cadet Colonel Nathan Swanson, Cadet 1st Lieutenant Allison Solis (holding Unit commendation), Master Sergeant Xavier Sandoval (background), Cadet Captain Michael Tortorici and Sheriff Ralph Lopez)

Sheriff Ralph Lopez presented a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Certificate of Appreciation/Commendation to Army - Junior Reserve Officer Corps (J.R.O.T.C.) cadets and to James Madison High School, Northeast Independent School District during an awards ceremony held at the Eastside substation on Monday April 2nd, 2007. Cadet Colonel Nathan Swanson, who is also the Texas Representative for the D.A.R.E. America Youth Advisory Board came-up with a Community service project designed to help needy children and families by providing toys and food during Christmas 2006. The James Madison High School Cadets joined with Bexar County D.A.R.E. Officer-instructors to collect food and toys which was heralded as a tremendous success. Cadet Colonel Swanson said he hoped that this would be the beginning of a continued partnership between J.R.O.T.C. program cadets and schools throughout San Antonio and Bexar County and Bexar County D.A.R.E. to help collect even more toys and more food for needy deserving families. All three cadets pictured are in fact former Bexar County D.A.R.E. graduates. Sheriff Ralph Lopez said: “programs like D.A.R.E., J.R.O.T.C., Band, Fine Arts and Athletics all help to develop our youth as good citizens and bring out the best in them to stay drug and violence free.” Deputy Chief Lozano pointed out this as another example of many - of the fact that D.A.R.E. Works in San Antonio and Bexar County and is making a difference to and for our youth! When school and Community programs like D.A.R.E. and J.R.O.T.C. work together and build upon (compliment) each other the children “Win” said Deputy George D. Little, D.A.R.E. Coordinator – Bexar County - a “Commitment To Excellence” fulfilled. Together Everyone Achieves More in this case our “Children”. Join the TEAM and become part of the solution - D.A.R.E. Works!