Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Holds Graduation Ceremony for Students in Drug and Violence Prevention Program

Sheriff Mike Crenshaw

Corporal Luke McCall

(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office held a graduation ceremony on Tuesday of this week for a group of Walhalla Middle School students who completed a drug and violence prevention program.

The program is called LEAD (Law Enforcement against Drugs and Violence).  The program was taught at Walhalla Middle by Corporal Luke McCall, who is the School Resource Officer for the School.  According to Corporal McCall, it is the first time the program has been implemented in the schools.  The program began in August of 2024.

100 students participated in the program and all received certificates of completion.    

Among the honored guests who attended the graduation ceremony was Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw, who addressed the graduates, and Evie Hughes, Director of Student Services for the School District of Oconee County.

According to Corporal McCall, the LEAD program gives students the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate tough situations involving peer-pressure, drugs and violence.  Corporal McCall also says that the program is structured in a way that helps keep students interested while also promoting good dialogue and critical thinking skills. 

“What I was looking forward to the most when I began teach the LEAD program was the chance to build some positive connections with the students, and then having the opportunity to teach them practical tools to make safe and informed choices,” says Corporal McCall.  “The program not only educates the students about the dangers of drugs and violence, but it also empowers them with the knowledge and skills to make good decisions, and boost their confidence, while also teaching them to learn the importance of self-respect and responsibility.” 

“When someone thinks about a School Resource Officer, most of the time it involves school security and safety and that is a very important role,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw.  “However, there are two other components to the role of an SRO: an educational component and relationship building.  The LEAD program provides another opportunity for our SRO’s to forge relationships with our students, which helps to build trust and mutual understanding and cooperation.  Our School Resource Officers do a fantastic job and I am grateful for the success that Corporal McCall has had with the LEAD program this year.  We look forward to watching what the future holds for this program in the years to come.”