On Thursday, May 8, the Berlin Community School gymnasium was filled with cheers, pride, and the smell of fresh pizza as the school’s fifth grade class officially graduated from the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) program.
Led by Berlin Police Department’s Officer Rob Murray and Officer Tony Massi, the program wrapped up with a heartfelt graduation ceremony and a celebratory lunch provided by King of Pizza, Berlin.
The LEAD program, designed to equip young students with the tools to make healthy decisions and resist peer pressure related to drugs, alcohol, and other risky behaviors, has become a staple at Berlin Community School (BCS). It’s also a foundational part of the police department’s ongoing efforts to build positive, lasting relationships with the youth of Berlin.
“The impact of the LEAD program on BCS is a huge part of our interaction with our fifth-grade students,” said Lt. Joshua Smith of the Berlin Police Department. “At this age, students begin to ask important questions that they may not feel comfortable asking in other settings. LEAD brings officers into the classroom, down to the student level, helping them understand how to say ‘no,’ recognize positive friendships, and make good choices.”
During the ceremony, Police Chief Michael Scheer called each graduate’s name as students proudly accepted their certificates. The sense of pride and community was undeniable, and many families and faculty members looked on with emotion as the young graduates celebrated their accomplishments.
Central to the program’s success are Murray and Massi, who not only lead the LEAD instruction but also serve as school resource officers (SROs) throughout the school year.
“Having their SROs in the classroom makes all the difference,” said Smith. “Officers Murray and Massi have taught this program for years and have it down to a science. They’re familiar faces the kids see every day, which helps build trust. When they’re in the classroom teaching LEAD, students are more engaged and the impact of the material resonates.”
The support of local businesses like King of Pizza is just one example of how the town of Berlin rallies around its youth.
“Sponsors like King of Pizza show the relationship we have with our business community,” Smith added. “Anthony, the owner, has always been committed not just to supporting our department, but to investing in our children’s futures. That kind of community involvement enhances everything we’re trying to do with programs like LEAD.”
As students return to class with their certificates in hand and a belly full of pizza, the message of the day was clear: positive choices, strong role models, and community support can go a long way in shaping the future of Berlin’s youth.
