A deputy starts a 10-week D.A.R.E. class at David Skeets elementary school
The McKinley County Sheriff's Office has started another semester of D.A.R.E., its drug-prevention class for schoolchildren. David Skeets elementary school is the first of six schools this semester, and Tohatchi Elementary School begins next week. Deputy Melanie Padilla teaches the 10-week class, which covers the dangers of drugs, alcohol and vaping.
Gallup Today Staff
Newsroom · September 8, 2026 · 1 min read · Updated
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The McKinley County Sheriff's Office has begun another semester of D.A.R.E. Its first stop is David Skeets elementary school, one of six schools on the list this semester.
Students there have started a 10-week class on the dangers of drugs, alcohol and vaping, taught by Deputy Melanie Padilla. Tohatchi Elementary School starts next week.
Sheriff James Maiorano III said: "We believe that investing in our kids now has the power to change their future when it comes to making good choices later in life."
The office did not name the other four schools or say when their classes begin.
Via McKinley County Sheriff's Office
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