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LAPLACE — St. John Sheriff Mike Tregre visited Lake Pontchartrain Elementary this week to talk to fifth through eighth graders about taking a stand against gun violence. “You don’t need a gun to settle an argument,” he said. “Communicate … talk it out.”

Sheriff Tregre also told students that most inmates lack a high school diploma. “Education is the key to success,” he said. “Work hard in school. Keep improving yourself.  It’s very important to get your high school diploma.”

To conclude the program, students recited the Pledge Against Gun Violence, promising to never bring a gun to school, never use a gun to settle a personal problem or dispute, and use their influence with friends to keep them from using guns to settle disputes.