Sheriff’s Office hosts NOVA graduations for fifth graders

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

NOVA graduations were held throughout the county for fifth grade students. Deputies who teach the NOVA classes include AJ O’Neil who has Cottonwood and Huntington Elementaries. Deputy Tyson Huntington teaches at Cleveland and Bookcliff Elementary. Deputy Kurt Price teaches the Castle Dale students and Robby Riley takes care of the Ferron Elementary students.
At the Huntington closing program Deputy O’Neil announced the constitution winners. Travis Peay, Taija Olsen, Tyrel Guymon; Kadree Murray, Kadrianne Bird and Abbie McElprang.
Deputy O’Neil said the topic this year was, “My roadmap to the path of excellence.” The students told in their essays how NOVA has helped them and how it will guide them to a successful future.
Deputy O’Neil said in the NOVA lessons they will talk about teasing and bullying. They will teach the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
They have lessons on internet safety and social media; harmful video games and other topics.
During the course of the program the deputies will challenge the students to take a seven day period of time where they avoid watching television. Most of the students take the challenge.
Students are rewarded along the way with prizes and treats.
Students also involve their parents with their lessons and enlist the help of their parents in finding things to do when they disconnect from technology. Parents are also involved with a weekly email where they are informed on what the weekly lesson contained so the parents can reinforce the lessons at home.
Deputy O’Neil feels the program has a big impact on the students. There are 14 lessons total and they are taught throughout the year.
At the conclusion of the program the students are treated to a graduation party where they receive a NOVA T-shirt and a lunch.
This year Maverik donated and cooked all of the food for the graduation parties held throughout the Emery District.
The Emery County Sheriff’s Office expressed their appreciation to Maverik for their support of the NOVA program.