The fifth grade students of Piedmont Academy graduated from the Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (CHAMPS) program on May 20, 2016. Certificates and CHAMPS bags were given to all the participants for their hard work and dedication to the program.

Savannah Stanton received the first place trophy and a $50.00 cash prize for the first place essay; Dylan Pitts received a second place trophy; and  Mason Owens was awarded the third place trophy.

Dakota Floyd received a first place ribbon for the poster creations, T.J. White received a ribbon for best essay and was recognized as the CHAMPS “Student of the Year.”

Deputy Amantae Sands provided an overview of the ten-week course and Sheriff Donnie Pope 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 entire 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.