When you see the exhibit it looks no different than any teenager’s room; cluttered with various items that, at first glance, are normal.  Behind the scenes the seemingly normal room is riddled with things used to hide alcohol, drugs, weapons, and many other types of contraband.  Everything used in the exhibit was either made from household items or bought legally from a local area store or online.

This exhibit also aims to inform adults that drugs and alcohol are not the only social issues facing our youth.  Many of our youth face bullying, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, sexual activity, and many other issues.

The D.A.R.E. officers were on hand for the exhibit to answer questions and show visitors things they may have missed at first, second, or even third glance.  During a walk through they showed normal day items that are used to hide alcohol, drugs, weapons, or paraphernalia.  The D.A.R.E. officers also informed people about social phrases or symbols.

The next showing of the Hidden in Plain Sight exhibit will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, at the Welsh Community Center,101 Palmer St.in Welsh. The exhibit is free and open to all adults, but no children are allowed.  This display is not only for parents; all adults are invited and encouraged to come. For more information, call Deputy Richard at 337-658-4902 or Deputy Miguez at 337-377-3681.

Since D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983, thousands of students from schools all over the world have graduated from this program.

The D.A.R.E. program teaches principles which are imperative to enable its students to become successful, productive, and drug-free citizens.  D.A.R.E. helps to raise awareness of bullying and teaches students how to report bullying when they see it.  D.A.R.E. helps young people to build self-esteem, learn good communication techniques, practice responsible decision making, and teaches them how to stand up to unwanted peer pressure and encourages them to find healthy and productive alternatives to violence, gangs, drugs, and alcohol.