GILLETTE, Wyo. — Two Campbell County educators recently received awards for their contributions to the Wyoming Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E., Program.
Principal James “Nate” Cassidy — who oversees Buffalo Ridge Elementary School — was awarded Wyoming D.A.R.E. Administrator of the Year while Carrie Boedeker-Larson, of Lakeview Elementary School, was awarded Wyoming D.A.R.E. Educator of the Year.
Cassidy and Boedeker-Larson both received their awards through the Wyoming D.A.R.E. Officers’ Association after receiving nominations from Senior Deputy and D.A.R.E. Officer Ed Holden with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.
Holden said he’s witnessed Cassidy’s dedication and unwavering commitment to promoting the D.A.R.E. program within the local educational community.
“As principal of Rozet Elementary and Buffalo Ridge Elementary, Mr. Cassidy has been instrumental in championing the D.A.R.E. program and ensuring its successful implementation in sixth-grade classrooms,” Holden wrote in his nomination letter. “Cassidy’s passion for the well-being and safety of our students is evident in every action he takes, consistently fostering an environment that encourages positive decision-making and drug-free lifestyles.”
Cassidy’s efforts have resulted in a significant increase in awareness and knowledge among his students, which empowers them to make informed choices and resist negative peer pressures, Holden wrote.
Boedeker-Larson, meanwhile, has dedicated many years to the implementation and growth of the D.A.R.E. Program throughout the state, according to Holden, adding that she has consistently gone above and beyond to engage students in meaningful ways.
“During Boedeker-Larson’s tenure as a school social worker, she has exhibited unwavering dedication to the well-being of Lakeview Elementary students,” Holden wrote. “She has also tirelessly championed the D.A.R.E. Program in her school and throughout the Campbell County School District.”
Combined with Boedker-Larson’s exceptional leadership by forging partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, community organizations and parents, her collaborative approach has fostered a sense of shared responsibility in the community and created a strong support system for Campbell County students, Holden wrote.
