Illinois D.A.R.E. Officers Association

"Serving Illinois D.A.R.E. Officers and Educators in their Communities"

2007 I.D.O.A. Awards

Conference Artwork Contest Winner

Jack Lindsay - Lincoln Elementary School

Elmhurst PD

Meet the 2007 Illinois DARE Officers Association Art Contest Winner, Jack Lindsay. Jack is a fifth grader at Lincoln Elementary School in Elmhurst, IL. Jack graduated Dare in February and wanted to thank his Dare Officer, Elmhurst Police Officer Michael Reiman for presenting the Dare program at his school. Officer Reiman has been teaching the Dare program at Lincoln for the past 10 years and was very proud and excited to announce to Jack and his classmates that his art work was chosen as this years winner. Jack was excited as well stating, "I can't wait to go to the conference in Springfield!"

Officer Reiman stated," Jack is a gifted artist and did a great job incorporating the conference theme of the Illinois Dare Officers Association and The Illinois Crime Prevention Association coming together for this years training conference." In addition to being chosen for this honor, Jack also won a school Dare poster contest earlier this year and had his winning poster displayed in a prominent business window in Elmhurst. We wish Jack the best as he embarks on his middle school
career. Keep drawing Jack!

IDOA Scholarship Recipients

TODD M. MILLAR

College: Elgin Community College / University of Illinois—Chicago

Major: Biology / Pre-Med

Member Agency: Streamwood PD

Essay Topic: What do you feel are the most challenging problems facing your generation?

We all face problems on a day to day basis. It’s human nature, but some problems are harder to face than others. There are select problems that we will face that will separate us from all others in a crowd, yet also distinguish who we truly are. Most think of problems as something that bothers someone or something that is blocking us from achieving what is important to us, such as a particular dislike towards another student, or a huge soccer tournament. These problems or obstacles of course are of importance, don’t get me wrong, but they are ordinary problems that we all encounter that in all actuality won’t change who we are; they will instead leave us with satisfaction or relief. One of the greatest challenges or problems that we as high school or college students face is that of pressure. It is all around us and it is unavoidable no matter where you go. There are many different forms of pressure that we face whether it is positive or negative. The pressure to succeed, and the most difficult form, I believe, is peer pressure. Though some might not like to believe it, pressure is the hardest obstacle that we all have to face, partially because it has so many different outcomes that in turn can affect one, but it alone can determine who one truly is, and what their morals are in life.

Peer pressure is inevitable, and is found in all forms of society. It is the ultimate killer in high school or social gatherings, and is one of the main components of acceptance in today’s youth. Though there can be all different forms of peer pressure, the two most noticed are positive and negative. Positive peer pressure could be a team’s strive for glory where everyone is encouraging each other to do their very best, so that they could walk away with a victory, or it could also be as simple as studying so that you do well on a test. We all know if there is a positive there must always be a negative, and in this case I think that the negative truly outweighs that of a positive. Negative peer pressure has to be one of the most difficult challenges one could ever face as such a young age. Most of the time negative peer pressure takes place in our youth when we all want to be popular, have the most friends, and of course we want to be part of a particular group or clique. Most of time we strive for these goals so much that we loose touch with our morals, and begin follow the actions of others without thinking of the consequences of our actions. Its sad to say, but most of the time we are judged on what we do and don’t do in a group, drinking is a prefect example.

Drinking is a perfect example because if everyone at a party is drinking and one is not; most could bet that those drinking will try to get that one person to drink. Now one is forced to make a decision whether or not to do what they believe is right, but one now has to weigh the consequences’ of giving in. What now can they say about themselves? That they are now a follower and that they are afraid to say no and stand up them self? So, let’s say one decides to drink, they now have to live with that lousy decision they made for one night of social acceptance, a night one disrespected their morals, and most importantly they probably have a loss of respect in them self. But now let’s try another scenario, you refuse to drink with your friends, a good moral decision, now your friends should respect your choice not to drink, right? No, nine times out often they will ask you again at another point of the night, try to convince you its fun, or take it as an insult making you choose between drinking and or a friendship. This should now open ones eyes to who your real friends are, but as sad as it is to say, this is a very common situation among peers. Now it might seem as though whatever decision you make you will have to face a negative outcome, but that’s where one is wrong. If one has the will power to stand up for him or herself, and do what they believe is right, to just say no, and walk away from the situation; they will not only have more pride in themselves, but more respect in their decision not to drink. Though it might not seem like it now, and it might seem as though everyone is against your decision to drink, sooner or later those exact people who gave you grief will end up respecting you for your decision to just say no and walk away, a respect that is immeasurable.

Pressure like I said before is all around us and is unavoidable; one just needs to have the morals to stand up for themselves when that specific time comes around, yet also have a clean cut idea as to what they believe, and know is right. Though these problems may come at us on a day to day basis; it is our decisions that distinguish who we are. It is our morals that keep us strong, and give us the power to say no, and walk away. It is those people who can stand up for what they believe is right, that truly make a difference in our society today.

ERIN ELIZABETH BOHNE-PACE
College: Illinois State University
Major: Clinical Psychology
Member Agency: Palos Heights PD
Essay Topic: How has your D.A.R.E. parent affected your decision to live a drug-free life?

Not many kids my age are lucky enough to have drug-free role models like I do. I have been very blessed in my life thus far to have a woman like my mom at home to let me know the difference between right and wrong. My mother has led a drug-free life and she also had to deal with my biological father that had drug addiction issues. She has been a D.A.R.E. officer for over ten years and I idolize that about her. She always puts her heart and soul into the kids that she teaches because she wants to get through to them and make them realize that a drug-filled life is not the life to lead. I know this from personal experience because she was my D.A.R.E. officer. A lot of my friends over the years have always asked me “Don’t you hate it that your mom is a cop? You can’t get away with anything!” What they did not realize is that the women that I have as a mother is the best mother a girl could ask for. She is not too strict and she lets me make my own decisions, most of the time.

The affect that she has had on me has made me want to live a drug-free life. It is not only what she says to me, but the way she lives her life. She has taught me how to avoid drug situations but even more importantly, how to get out of them if I end up in any. She has been confronted with drugs not only on the streets but also at home. I admire her because of the strength she had when she had to deal with my biological father. My brother and I were very young, so we did not realize how horrible our father was but we did remember how our mom protected us. She is an inspiration to me and I would not change one thing about her.

IDOA Educator of the Year

MRS. MARIANNE BRAND

Oakhill Elementary School

The 2007 Illinois D.A.R.E. Officers’ Association Educator of the Year has been awarded to Mrs. Marianne Brand, 5th grade teacher at Oakhill Elementary School in Streamwood, Illinois. Mrs. Brand was nominated for this prestigious award by individuals who have had an opportunity to work closely with her and have witnessed her commitment to the D.A.R.E. Program.

The Principal at Oakhill Elementary says that Mrs. Brand is highly worthy of this award. She is instrumental in planning and organizing the D.A.R.E. Program in their school. She coordinates the daily schedule and special activities, as well as staying in weekly contact with the D.A.R.E. Officer. Mrs. Brand is also responsible for coordinating the D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony at Oakhill Elementary.

According to D.A.R.E. Officer Steve Millar, Mrs. Warner is known for always having a smile on her face. Officer Millar says that, “Mrs. Brand’s motivation to interact with my D.A.R.E. instruction is a delightful supplement to the program. It exemplifies the cooperative teaching relationship between the police officer and the teacher. Mrs. Brand is truly the heart and soul of D.A.R.E. at Oakhill School.” Officer Millar also appreciates the personal communication given to him regarding her students’ personal circumstances. Whether it be trouble at home or an accomplishment to be noted, it allows him to get to know the students better and shows her genuine concern for them.

Other D.A.R.E. Officers have noted that Mrs. Brand willingly offers her time to attend every D.A.R.E. related function sponsored by the local police department. This demonstrates her desire to be a true role model to her students and to always be there for them.

Mrs. Brand has shown her devotion to educating her students in the D.A.R.E. Program and therefore it is with great pleasure that we recognize her talent and commitment by naming Mrs. Marianne Brand as the 2007 Illinois D.A.R.E. Officers’ Association Educator of the Year.

D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year

The 2007 Illinois D.A.R.E. Officers Association – D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year has been awarded to Officer Angie Zucchero of the Burr Ridge Police Department. This nomination may have surprised Angie, but for the many that have worked with her through the years in the efforts of the D.A.R.E. Program, it seems only natural to recognize one of the continuing forces of Illinois D.A.R.E. Recommendations to nominate Officer Angie Zucchero extended from her own department’s personnel, to the schools which have been touched by her work with the students, and reached throughout DuPage County that she has positively represented. The following statements were given by these individuals honored to know such a special person whose devotion to the children in her community seems endless.

Angie Zucchero has been a D.A.R.E. instructor in the Burr Ridge school systems for (17) years and her commitment to the community, most importantly, to the children has not wavered. As a police officer of (18) years, she didn’t waste any time to answer the call for those students who needed her caring, honesty, and positive influence in their lives. Chief Herbert Timm (Burr Ridge Police Department) has witnessed the development of Angie’s enthusiasm and dedication to the D.A.R.E. Program and its students through his (14) years as Chief. In his eyes, Angie has become the epitome of what a D.A.R.E. Officer should be. Chief Timm advised that although there had been strong pressures within the community to curtail D.A.R.E. activities due to financial and manpower concerns, Angie’s influence was successful in rescuing the program and actually enhancing support from citizens and school authorities. Angie’s message of D.A.R.E. resounds throughout the school, but is directed to each individual child. Each child grows in their recognition of self esteem and the importance of living a drug free life as an important member of the community. Chief Timm states that no one is left behind as far as Angie is concerned.

It doesn’t matter which Burr Ridge school district, the staff strongly agreed with the nomination for Officer Zucchero as D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year. Principal Kevin Karcz recognizes Angie’s organizational and presentation skills, but it’s her consistency of going above and beyond for the students and families at Elm School that he wanted to commend. Angie clearly exemplifies the type of leader the program deserves, Principal Karcz affirmed. From Pleasantdale School District #107, Assistant Principal Kim Freislinger stated that she has relied heavily on Officer Zucchero’s perspective, experience and commitment to the youth of our community, not only at one, but at two school systems. “Officer Angie” has shown time and time again her creativity and flexibility in working with us to provide a quality D.A.R.E. Program regardless of space limitations, inconsistent time schedules and many last minute “wrenches” thrown her way. Her “generosity of spirit” and tremendous caring for our students has created positive relationships. At Gower Middle School, the Fifth Grade Team feels fortunate to have Officer Angie as their D.A.R.E. Officer. They observe her interactions with students and it is apparent that she truly believes in what she teaches. Officer Angie strongly believes in showing students that they can have a fun, rewarding life without involving drugs and alcohol, which she demonstrates by co-coordinating and participating in the annual D.A.R.E Lock-In. By attending numerous school events, such as the dances, band concerts, musicals, spelling bees, fun fairs (to name a few), Officer Angie has built a wonderful rapport with all the students at Gower Middle School, not just the fifth graders. Not to be left out, Burr Ridge Middle School wanted to have a say in Officer Zucchero’s nomination. Jennifer Rogers, Science Teacher, views Angie as a dedicated D.A.R.E. instructor who takes pride in her work and only gives and demonstrates a hundred and ten percent. While planning a wonderful D.A.R.E. Graduation, Ms. Rogers notes that Angie went the extra mile to make the invitations, brochures, and also gave every student a present. She puts a lot of time and effort into the graduation and all her hard work was definitely recognized. Ms. Rogers looks forward to working with Angie in the upcoming years because she really cares about our students and wants them to succeed in life.

During her tenure, Officer Angie Zucchero has successful coordinated the Burr Ridge D.A.R.E. Program, in which it was made easier for newly trained D.A.R.E. Instructors to follow so that they could concentrate on the important things, the students. Corporal Joseph Farrar of the Burr Ridge Police Department followed by example and he believes that it is the connection Angie has with her students that is totally incredible and has led to this nomination. Corporal Farrar notes Angie’s offering of personal time to the D.A.R.E. Program in the Burr Ridge community, as well as on a regional and state level. Her commitment to the youth is second to none, proudly stated Corporal Farrar.

Lastly, it needs to be addressed, that Officer Angie Zucchero has been the “heart” of I.D.O.A. – Region 3 activities, who proudly displays her commitment wherever she goes. Angie makes no bones about it that the D.A.R.E. Program began with the “D.A.R.E. Bear” and still supports the original mascot by wearing the costume at local events (she has slightly warmed up to “Daren” the Lion). She has continues in her role as the Region 3 Treasurer and has been the co-representative for Region 3 with Officer Dawn Odoi the past (3) years.

Angie has been an excellent role model, in which she has shown her leadership qualities by getting involved and encourages us all to do everything we can, in the time that we have, to be better D.A.R.E. Officers. Her commitment to family (especially to her late mother) has been the only thing to surpass her dedication to D.A.R.E. Angie’s spirit continuously seeks for improvement to effectively reach the children in her community.

IDOA President's Award

DAWN ODOI

Bloomingdale PD

Co-Chair 06 & 07 Conference Committee & C0-Chair Region #3

The Bloomingdale Police Department is proud to have Officer Dawn Odoi as a member of our organization. Dawn is a valuable asset to our agency as well as the programs she is involved with, including D.AR.E.

Dawn has been a law enforcement officer with Bloomingdale for 14 years and has been assigned as the Community Relations Officer for over 10 years. D.A.R.E. is an important part of our community policing philosophy and Dawn has shown great dedication to the program. Her belief in D.A.R.E. can be seen through her involvement in our community and statewide.

Officer Odoi illustrates her devotion to this important program as the Illinois D.A.R.E. Region 3 Co-Representative. Dawn assists in planning the Region 3 Chief’s Appreciation Luncheon, coordinates D.A.R.E. events with other police agencies, and is a great supporter of her fellow D.A.R.E. officers not only in Bloomingdale, but other police departments as well.

One only needs to attend a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony for one of Dawn’s classes to see her enthusiasm and the impact she’s had on the children in her classes. The Bloomingdale Police Department commends Officer Odoi and the Illinois D.A.R.E. Officer’s Association for your sustained commitment to the D.A.R.E. program.

Respectfully,
Sergeant Jackie Slater
Bloomingdale Police Department

Service Recognition Award