Minden, NV…On Friday, June 15th, 2012, in a ceremony officiated by Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini, twenty-one students from Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School graduated from the nationally acclaimed Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program.

The week-long program was instructed by Youth Service Officers Chris Griffith and Teresa Duffy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

G.R.E.A.T. is a cooperative effort between law enforcement, schools, parents and the community – all working together to help children make good life choices. The goal of the program is to prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement, while developing a positive relationship among our young people to create a safer community.

G.R.E.A.T. lessons focus on four major areas:
1. Team Building
2. Decision Making
3. Goal Setting
4. Community Service

Sheriff Ron Pierini and the members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are focused on combating gang activity in and out of our community. The G.R.E.A.T. program is a vital tool in that effort.

Twenty Carson Valley Middle School students graduated from the G.R.E.A.T. program the previous week.