Riley Elliott: Davidson Local youth correspondent earns historic DARE role

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Hey Y'all, I’m Riley Elliott. First off, I would like to say thank you to the Sheriff's department for hosting this event and for backing me, and a huge shoutout to my DARE Officer Sgt. Cook who has helped me along the way in getting this position. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time tonight to come out and support me on this memorable evening. 

A few months ago Sgt. Cook reached out to me about  the opportunity to become the DARE Youth Advocacy Board Representative for North Carolina. There was an elaborate application process that I completed over a few weeks. Part of that was writing an essay about myself, getting letters of recommendation and waiting weeks to hear back. While waiting on the response of the DARE board, my family and I spent many nights constantly praying that God would show me favor and allow me this position. 

I was eventually contacted by DARE America and informed of one final zoom meeting with a representative from the board.  Last Thursday night, I interviewed with 2 members of the executive staff for DARE America. I can say that it was the biggest zoom meeting of my life! After a long conversation with them, they offered me the position of the NC DARE Youth Advocacy Board Representative and I enthusiastically accepted!! For those of you who aren’t familiar with the position: I will serve a four year term as the only representative from our great state. The Youth Advocacy Board (otherwise known as YAB) member’s sole purpose is to speak about  issues concerning the local, national and worldwide DARE program. And, to advise DARE America, local DARE programs, government and community leaders on drug and violence prevention strategies that may benefit our youth.  

I am so humbled, honored and blessed to have received this opportunity. I aspire to use this platform and my ability to connect with people to spread the word of what DARE means and how important the message of DARE is.  My goal is to make an impact not only in this community but the whole state of North Carolina.  I have already hit the ground running, and plan to continue working closely with our  Sheriff's Department and my DARE Officer.   It is such an honor to be the first YAB that Davidson County has ever had and I am going to represent this county to the best of my ability.  To learn more about DARE and the vital messages it represents, follow me on instagram at NCDAREYAB … I DARE YOU ;) Lastly, Thank you Mom and Dad for supporting me throughout any journey or challenge I have faced so far. Without Yalls support I wouldn't be able to accomplish any of this.