Noonan Academy D.A.R.E. Graduation

Earlier this month, Noonan Academy held their first D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony in partnership with the Mokena Police Department and Officer Tom Czarnecki. “Our fifth graders have completed their D.A.R.E.’s Keepin’ it REAL Elementary School curriculum. The course focused on core skills needed for safe and responsible choices…skills that extend well beyond drugs to healthy and mature choices in life.”, said Joseph Dunn, Principal of Noonan Academy. “Our fifth graders learned fundamental, basic skills and developmental processes needed for healthy development including self-awareness and management, responsible decision making, understanding others, relationship and communication skills, and handling responsibilities and challenges.”

Noonan was honored to have Trustee Debbie Engler and Officer Thomas Czarnecki address the parents during the ceremony, and Mayor George Metanias, Trustee Debbie Engler, Police Chief Brian Benton, Deputy Chief Robert Willford, Sergeant Jason Louthan, and D.A.R.E. Instructor Officer Thomas Czarnecki present each of the following students with their D.A.R.E. certificates: Amelia Dodge, Jacob Dunn, Corrine Johnson, Joseph Klepczarek, Meghan Maguire, Millicent Moy, Amelia Mueller, Michael Novak, Jackson Paloma, Daxton Radja, Michael Rodge, Jackson So, Vincent Sola, Bingham Wozny, and Ting Wu. Student essays were presented by Michael Novak, Vincent Sola, and Ting Wu.

Fifth grade homeroom teacher, Mary Kimak thanked the Mokena Police Department for their dedication to our community and especially for the life lessons taught through the D.A.R.E. program. “The fifth graders graduate today, knowing that we have grown through your guidance and commitment in facilitating and implementing this program during these past 10 weeks. Your efforts towards excellence have and will continue to make a difference in our lives. We, the grateful students of Noonan Academy, are truly blessed to have learned and worked with the Mokena Police Department.”

Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, for more information or to schedule a tour at 708-479-8988. More information can be found at www.noonanacademy.org

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 11am-1pm at 19131 Henry Drive, Mokena