Say no to drugs: All Piedmont Academy fifth graders graduated from the CHAMPS program on December 2. Certificates were given to the participants. Mikayla Rigsby received recognition for the first place essay, Lauren Mosley was second, and Andrew Chapko was honored for third.Deputy Pat Kennedy provided an overview of the 10-week course and Sheriff Charles Roper challenged the students to always be mindful of the importance of abstention of illegal drugs and making good decisions. The sheriff commended the students for their achievement in successfully meeting the requirements for graduation.

The main goal of the CHAMPS program is to significantly reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as the use of violent behavior by young people.