LAPLACE — Karnell Jolly and Sharon Castillo earned top-winner status during their school’s D.A.R.E. essay contest.

The duo excelled in lessons addressing drugs, violence, bullying, Internet safety and other high-risk circumstances students may face in their lives.

The students were recognized by St. John Sheriff’s Office Sgts. Marshall Carmouche, Danielle Falgoust and Trystin Williams, who awarded certificates to several Emily Watkins Elementary fifth graders for successfully completing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program during a May 24 celebration at the LaPlace school.

Falgoust and Williams, who are training to become D.A.R.E. officers, also presented T-shirts and goodie bags. Carmouche took the lead instructing the fifth graders during the school-based drug awareness and prevention program that teaches students about the importance of smart decision-making for safe and healthy living.