Students from 19 of Knox County’s elementary and intermediate schools were on hand for a good time May 12 as they celebrated graduating the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program.

Knox County Sheriff J.J. Jones told the group of several hundred fifth graders, “The lessons you’ve learned in D.A.R.E. will help you as an adult.”

Retro Bill, the most in-demand motivational speaker for Kindergarten through 12th grade in the United States, was on hand to help in the celebration.

Retro Bill travels the country and has a TV show on Smile of a Child and Unity Networks that teaches kids good values including respect, responsibility, fairness, citizenship and being drug free.

While the kids had a lot of fun with Retro Bill, he shared one important message: Don’t let drugs and alcohol stop you from getting from point-A to point-B.

“Keep your eye on the prize of what you want to be when you grow up,” Retro Bill told the D.A.R.E. graduates. “You’ve got to make good choices.”

He said that each good choice can lead them closer to their dream.

Retro Bill reminded the kids that they are not alone when it comes to saying “no” to drugs. He reminded them that they always have their parents, teachers, D.A.R.E. officers and others who are willing to help.

“Sometimes things are hard, but you don’t have to deal with it alone,” he said. “Ask for help.”

Retro Bill also reminded the group about staying positive while showing them various ways to not be influenced by drugs and alcohol.

“Nobody can make you try drugs,” he said.

He told students that if someone tries to get them to try drugs, simply clench both fists.

“If (drugs) are not in my hand and they’re not in my mouth, they can’t hurt me,” Retro Bill said. “Keep it out of your hands, keep it out of your mouth and it will be out of your life.”

An essay winner from each of the 19 schools was called to come out of the crowd to receive special recognition. Those winners received a 10-pound Nestle Crunch Bar, a D.A.R.E. backpack, as well as signed photographs of Pat Summitt, Bruce Pearl and the UT basketball teams among other prizes.

Retro Bill told all of the D.A.R.E. graduates to hang their certificate on their bedroom wall, so that each day they can be reminded to stay drug and alcohol free.

For more information about Retro Bill, visit his Web site at www.retrobill.com.