On October 7th Hutto Middle School had two classes of fifth graders graduate from the C.H.A.M.P.S. program.

Pictured are Class 1 award winners: Back Row: Sheriff Wiley Griffin, Ta’Korya Green (Poster Runner Up), Poncherella Leonard (Top student of class), Freddie Mitchell (Poster Winner and Essay Runner Up), and Sgt. Chad Bennett. Front Row: Taylor Swanner (Essay Winner), Caitlin Miller (essay Runner Up), and Iesha Smart (Essay Runner Up).

The C.H.A.M.P.S.(Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety) program was developed to provide guidance and the skills, ability and knowledge to be safe, healthy, and happy, in preparation for a successful life.

The Class 2 award winners are: Back Row: Sheriff Wiley Griffin, Jasmine Miller (Essay Winner), Maria Cabada (Essay Runner Up), Austin Wade (Essay Runner Up and Poster Runner Up), and Sgt. Chad Bennett. Front Row: Colby Nix (Essay Runner Up and Poster Runner Up), and Faith Case (Top student of class)

C.H.A.M.P.S. was started in 2004 as a pilot program after DARE funding was cut and the goal is for all 159 Georgia Counties to adopt the program. Decatur County Sheriff's Deputy, Sgt. Chad Bennett teaches the C.H.A.M.P.S. class to all 5th graders in the county.