Who's Your Role Model? Most everyone has a role model in their life.

They could be a parent, a friend, a teacher, or a sports hero. They could be the D.A.R.E officer who works in your school. He could be someone you read about in a book.

A role model is hard to define, because it can be different for everyone. Who your role model is depends as much on you as it does on the person you admire. Often, it is someone you would like to be like when you get older, or someone who does something you find hard to do.

They might be somebody who performs outstanding volunteer work. They might be a community leader. They might be your mentor. Maybe they are generous and kind. Maybe they performed an extraordinary feat or accomplishment. They might be someone in your neighborhood, or someone in another country.

Typically, a role model is brave, smart, strong, kind, thoughtful and fun. Not that every role model is perfect. Unless it is someone out of a storybook, role models are people who might be outstanding in only one or two areas. Or maybe it is someone who is far less than perfect, but is working to improve himself or herself.

Who is your role model? Tell us. Write a story about that person and send it to us. You can do it in the form of a straight essay, or you can do it in a question and answer format. Every month we'll try to pick a new essay and post it on our site.

By Alden High Point, NC

My dad inspired me to write this. He has taken such a big role in my life. Whatever I needed even if it was on the other side of the world my dad would go get it. I love him with all my heart. He always makes sure I do my best in whatever I do. Even though it might be hard or tiring my dad makes me do it, I

know it's the best for me. My dad is the PERFECT role model because he is everything a role model should be, loving, funny, serious, nice to be around, and smart.

The person I want to be like is my counselor. She helps me work out my problems. When I am feeling down she helps me and talks things through with me. I love her and I will miss her next year when she is not my counselor.

Officer Corriveau wherever you are thanks for the inspiration and thank you Mrs. Claytor for being there for me.

My Hero

My hero is somebody who is trying to stop violence and make peace in the world. My hero is Officer S. Heck. Officer Heck is a police officer and is very nice and caring. His favorite way of solving things is to negotiate it. Although Officer Heck has a gun and points it at people he only does that to scare them so they won't cause any harm to innocent people. But, he has never had to shoot anyone in his life and never intends to.

Officer Heck has been a police officer for twenty years. He has joined the D.A.R.E. program to teach kids about drugs and violence. He teaches what drugs can do to you and what to say if someone tries to get you to try them. He is my D.A.R.E. officer.

The reason he is my hero is because he stops a lot of bad things and helps people with problems they might have. He helps find the reason why they want to hurt people and teaches them why it's bad. He helps them become a better person so they are happy with their life.

I think all policemen do a very good job, but I think Officer Heck should get extra credit for doing more work. It's all because he helps a lot more people than other police officers do. Plus, he's probably helped a lot of people with making decisions and that makes the world just a little bit better.

Officer Heck is my hero and I'm sure that I'm not the only one. I see my hero every Friday for D.A.R.E. He is a very good D.A.R.E. officer for kids. Sometimes he sets up little acts and shows everybody what to do in all different kinds of situations. If there is an award for heroes, he should be the one who wins!

My Role Model By: Samantha

My role model is not one person, but an entire group of people. My role models are the men and women of the Police Department of every country and every nation. I look up to these people because it is the fact that I long to be just like them. When I get older I want to be just like the men and women I so admire.

My love for the police force and all they do for us started when I was maybe 9 in fifth grade. An Officer by the name of Leone, came to my school and taught us all about how to stay away from drugs and violence and how Police Officers are more than what you assume just by seeing an Officer.

And that's when it all started, my longing to be just like them, I think they are brave and strong and in all aspects Heroes and Heroines. I look up to them and want to be just like the strong, courageous people of the Force. They risk their lives for us everyday and selflessly give their lives trying to keep our cities and countries and our world safe.

So, that is my choice for my role model. They are more to me than the Officers you sometimes see behind the wheel of a patrol car, they are the men and women who keep us from harm and all of them are true heroes and heroines.

My Role Model

I'd like to tell you a little about my role model. He is a Police Officer. His name is Joe. He is the best person to be around and to talk to. He's a great listener

and helped me with many of my problems. I love him with all my heart. To me, he is the best person in this world and the nicest Police Officer anybody could ever meet.

I couldn't thank him enough for everything he's done for me. I used to be bad. And because of him talking to me about consequences, I told him I'd be good FOR HIM. After awhile he made me realize I was only hurting myself by being the way I was. In the end I straightened up for myself. I realized reality, with and because of him helping me.

I just wanted to tell him THANK YOU for everything you've ever done for me. I will never forget you. You will always be in my heart no matter how far apart we are. Thank you sooo much "SUPERMAN"!!!! I'll see you the next time your working for Police.

My Role Model By Lisa

My role model is my grandpa. He has a lot to do at his old age (80's). My grandma has Alzheimer's and can no longer talk, walk, or feed herself. My grandpa is still working full time at his dentist office, and he doesn't plan on retiring any time soon.

Both my grandpa and grandma served in World War II (that's how they meet). I don't think anyone could say that that was a pleasant time, and I have a lot of respect for anyone in the military. After the war, he settled and had three kids (including my mom). He now has nine grandchildren.

I always think of how lucky I am that I can go to his house anytime I want. He only lives three blocks away, while other people only get to see their relatives on holidays. No relatives of mine even live out of state.

Sgt. Kron I'd like to thank you for all the guidance and help you've given me and the rest of my class.

The Person Who I Long To Be Like by Melanie

My friend inspired me to write this story. That friend was my D.A.R.E officer and his name is Officer Corriveau. He is so nice. We learned about friendships and role models in our 7th grade D.A.R.E. program last week and so that is why I am writing this story.

The person I want to be like is my counselor. She helps me work out my problems. When I am feeling down she helps me and talks things through with me. I love her and I will miss her next year when she is not my counselor.

Officer Corriveau wherever you are thanks for the inspiration and thank you Mrs. Claytor for being there for me.

Misty's Role Model

Hi, in the message following I would like to share with you the story of my role model.

Hi, I'm going to begin with a little background information on me so you understand where I'm coming from. I'm 14 years old, and graduated D.A.R.E. two years ago. I learned a lot in that class, and will always be grateful. When I graduated there is one thing I have never left behind...my old D.A.R.E. officer. I would consider him my role model. He's been around for me these two years even though he doesn't "get paid" to "be around" me anymore. His name is Lt. Tom Manning, and he woks with the Roeland Park Police Department. I will tell you of a very special time shared between Tom and me.

I was at school, in the 7th grade, when I had a major problem. One of my friends had come to me that day with the intentions of "not wanting to live anymore"; I was devastated. What was I going to do? I went home, and this

was still on my mind. You see, in our city we have a Bulletin Board System called the Police Department BBS. Tom would log in and chat with all of us. That night he noticed something "different" about me. I wasn't being my normal talkative self. I wanted to tell hem, but I didn't want my friend to get in trouble. Little did I know at that time it was important to.

When I wouldn't tell him, he pretended to be angry with me. He did that because he knew I wanted to tell him, because I told him I wanted to. He know if he played the silent treatment back, I would break and tell him. I had to save my friend. So finally I told him. He listened for a very long time about it, insisting that she wouldn't get into trouble and for me to give him her name. I did, and he called my SRO officer in the morning. He promised he would not tell my School Resource Officer my name or any other information that may lead to me being "suspected" as the "tattle". I was happy to get that off of my chest. He did call my SRO officer, and the girl received counseling. She is doing fine now; thankfully she is alive. If it weren't for Tom, she may not have been here. In fact, I know I wouldn't have trusted anyone else so much to tell.

So when people bash the D.A.R.E. program I get angry. I have gained a friend and a role model for life. There is a song that describes this incredible Lt. By John Michael Montgomery. It states "she thinks I can rope the moon" which is true. I do think he can rope the moon, like he could walk on air. Whenever I'm down he is there. What adds to this is that when I grow up I want to be a cop...and guess who I'm learning about that from? Yes. Lt. Tom Manning. So as you read this, I hope you understand what a great person I have come in contact with. I will never forget the D.A.R.E. lessons he taught me, the girl we helped "save", and all the other memories we have. I can find no words to describe this great of a human being. The world would be a much brighter better place if everyone had their own Tom Manning!

Thanks for listening.

A Person Who Has Changed My Life by Lisa Anne Tucker

I really believe that this person has changed my life, and made me a better

person. I have known this person since I was in the fifth grade and I have loved him ever since. He has taught me what life is really about, and it is definitely not about drugs and alcohol. Life is about having fun but it is also about responsibility; like being a good citizen, picking up your trash and the trash of others who don't take their responsibilities seriously. I have promised my family that I will never accept or take drugs into my life, unless they are prescribed for me by a professional doctor. I really look up to this person, and I will never forget him. This person is Officer Becker. One of the key traits that I admire about Officer Becker is his honesty. Officer Becker is a very honest and trustworthy person. He never lies and is always thinking about others. He is also a very bright and cheery, happy-go-lucky person.

Even though I am in the eighth grade and will be going to high school next year, I will always come back to visit Officer Becker. I know that the board is thinking about closing the sixth through eighth levels at Moiola, but that will not stop me from finding him. I will go to the police department and set up a special time to visit him. You don't know how much Officer Becker means to me. I always feel comfortable talking to him and giving him a hand when he needs help carrying D.A.R.E. materials. I am really thankful that I have had these past four years to see what a great guy officer Becker is. He is a very special person who has devoted his life to keeping children alive. I love Officer Becker!!!

Officer Becker is a D.A.R.E. Officer for the Fountain Valley Police Department.

Check out these Super Moms! We're celebrating role model moms! A role model is someone you would like to be like when you get older, or someone who does something you find hard to do. Most everyone has a role model in their life. They could be a parent, a friend, a teacher, or a sports hero. These are stories about moms, some of the best role models on the planet!

Kim's Mom My role model is my mother. She is the strongest person I know. I know that I can trust in her and that she will be there whenever I need her to be. She attended my D.A.R.E. graduation proudly. What I love about her is that when I ask something of her she never hesitates to do her best to please me. My

mother works for 911. She is a dispatcher.

The reason she is my role model is because when I get older I want to be as strong and understanding as her. I love her more than anything in the whole wide world and I'd stop at nothing to please her. She is the best mom in the whole entire world! I love you, Mom. -Kim

Super Mommy

My mom is a wonderful parent. She has learned from most of her mistakes and teaches me right and wrong. My mom, like all other people, isn't perfect, but in my eyes, her daughter, she is the one and only SUPER MOMMY. Sometimes I wish I was her and I had everything she has, her looks, sense of humor, stuff, personality, and her strength.

I have a brother and sister that are twins AND another brother + me and my cat. I do have a dad, and he is great but he works all day so it is up to my mom to clean, cook, help us, AND babysit! She is hard at work all day but she is NEVER to tired to play and joke around with her family.

Not one mom in this universe is like her. As Oprah would say she is "an angel". She is giving and grateful. She respects what other people are feeling.

My mom participates in many activities. She runs my schools Spring Fair, which gave me the courage to host a block party! She cleans 2 doctors' offices, AND works from 9:00 p.m.- 4:00 a.m. Eastern Standards Time!

My mom is SUPER MOMMY, and she plays an important part in MANY peoples lives. Im glad I was so lucky to have a mom like her. I LOVE her so much not one word could explain! She is my

mom.......... SUPER MOMMY.

Kellie's Mommy

Dear Dare,

My Role Model is my mom. She is a single parent trying to be the best parent she can. And I think she is doing a great job. I think we have a very special relationship unlike any of my friends have with their mothers. Also I am an only child so it is just mom and me and we like to just lay on her bed and talk about anything once a week. Even though we don't get along all the time we still LOVE each other. Most of the time we act like sisters.

I just wanted to say that my mom is my role model for life. She has been doing a great job so far!!!!!

-Kellie C.

Jenna's Mom

My name is Jenna and my role model is my mother. The number 1 reason she is my role model is because she has taught me many things in life. She has taught me that no one can be perfect. The recent leaving of my father has left her down and depressed and really upset and I am trying to do my best to make her feel well again and I hope she will get better soon. She is sweet and makes mistakes in life too. She sometimes does things wrong and so do I. I

have lied to her and I am sure she has lied to me. We are not perfect and no one is and no one ever will be I just thought I might let you know who my role model is.

-Jenna

Marissa's Mom

My role model is my mom. I love her very much, so much she will never know. She loves me too. She's helped me through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad times. When my friends would tease me, she would be there. When my crush teases me, she would be there. I want her to know I will love her forever.

-Marissa

Shannon's Mom

My role model is my mom. The reason that my mom is my role model is because she teaches me right from wrong and she loves me. She would never smoke or do drugs and she always tells me about them and what they can do to your body and what people do to try to make people do drugs. So, I would say that my mom is my role model.

- Shannon