DARE to Make a Difference: Building Confidence, Character, and Connection—One Student at a Time. Mt. Vernon Education Foundation - DARE to Make a Difference: Building Confidence, Character, and Connection—One Student at a Time. Mt. Vernon Education Foundation -

MVEF Awards Grant to Support DARE Program Development at Mt. Vernon Middle School

The Mt. Vernon Education Foundation (MVEF) is proud to announce the awarding of an $800 grant to DARE Officer Lee Carnish to support the development and implementation of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program at Mt. Vernon Middle School (MVMS) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

DARE is a nationally recognized program that aims to prevent drug use, gang involvement, and violent behavior by equipping students with the skills they need to make safe and healthy decisions. Led by trained law enforcement officers, DARE promotes trust, confidence, and informed decision-making through interactive classroom lessons. Founded in 1983 in Los Angeles by Police Chief Daryl Gates, DARE remains a trusted educational initiative under the leadership of current CEO Francisco Pegueros.

At MVMS, Officer Lee Carnish will lead the effort to bring DARE to students, building positive relationships and engaging youth in conversations about peer pressure, decision-making, and real-world consequences. The funding will support curriculum materials, student resources, and interactive learning tools.

This grant is made possible through The Gwen and Phillip Scrogham Criminal Justice Fund, which honors a legacy of public service, commitment to education, and dedication to community safety. Phillip Scrogham was a retired officer with the Indianapolis Police Department (IPD), having served his community with integrity throughout his career. His wife, Gwen, was a long-standing and beloved Mt. Vernon employee who served as the administrative assistant to the superintendent—as well as in other key roles—before retiring after 29 years of dedicated service. Their daughter Kelly, a Mt. Vernon graduate, and her husband have both continued the family’s tradition of service as law enforcement officers.

The Scrogham Fund not only supports DARE and safety education, but also provides resources and inspiration for students interested in exploring careers in the criminal justice field.

MVEF is honored to support this important work at Mt. Vernon Middle School and is deeply grateful for the Scrogham family’s legacy, which continues to shape and strengthen the Mt. Vernon community.

If you would like to make a donation to the Gwen and Phillip Scrogham Criminal Justice Fund to continue to support this work go to www.MtVernonFoundation.org and click DONATE