THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 6, 1996 TAG: 9603050120
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Education
SOURCE: BY LINDA McNATT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WINDSOR LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
Russ Whitley can't tell you why he longs to be a dog, but he does.
At every opportunity, the youngster, an honor student at Windsor Elementary School, pulls on a furry coverall and an over-sized head that turns him into a crime-preventing hound.
Russ, alias McGruff, started the impersonation act at the Isle of Wight County Fair last year. He called and simply said he wanted to do it, Sheriff Charlie Phelps said recently.
And even more recently, the boy's enthusiasm for doing the job, coupled with his enthusiasm and interest in Drug Resistance Awareness Education (DARE) classes in his fifth-grade class, led to lunch in Richmond with Gov. George Allen and his wife, Susan.
The event was sponsored by the governor's office to promote DARE, said local DARE officer Lt. Gary Falls, and to recognize students throughout Virginia who have made special contributions to preventing drug abuse and crime in their communities.
Falls, who accompanied Russ on the Feb. 22 trip, wrote a letter to the governor's office earlier this year nominating Russ, and the 11-year-old was one of 30 youngsters in the state selected for recognition.
``We had steak,'' Russ said, his eyes shining. ``Cheese, vegetables. I only ate the carrots. The governor asked us where we were from, and we told him Isle of Wight County.''
Ask Russ what he's learned in DARE classes this year, and he'll tell you two things stand out in his mind: ``Drugs mess your body up, and you should be somebody in life.''
That's good enough for Phelps, who has worked during his tenure as sheriff to expand DARE in the public schools.
``I know it's making a difference. Today, right outside in the hallway, I saw one of the students come up to Lt. Falls and hug him. I believe it has definitely contributed to a better relationship between the youth of this county and the Sheriff's Department. It has generated an atmosphere of trust that needs to be there.''
Russ Whitley, Falls said, is a natural actor. He loves playing McGruff and taking part in role-playing exercises in DARE class, which the fifth-graders, beginning in January each year, get once a week.
The youngster's dogged determination to be in the spotlight continued in Richmond, Falls said, grinning.
``He stepped right up to Mrs. Allen and said, `Excuse me, Lt. Falls has a camera. Would you mind posing with me?' ''
Self-esteem is also part of the DARE program. And lately, the boy who plays McGruff has a lot to be proud of. Not only was he recognized by the governor's office but the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors also presented him with a certificate of achievement.
DARE is a statewide program that started in local schools in 1986 as a pilot program at Smithfield Middle School. The Sheriff's Department took it over in 1988. Since then, it has been in the schools every year.
But DARE's future in the county is ``in limbo,'' Phelps says.
``The program is partly funded by the School Board. Right now, the board is talking about employing its own security and a drug dog. If they do, I could possibly lose funding, maybe even lose a position in the Sheriff's Department.''
Phelps said he would rather see the program expanded. He just completed training to teach DARE on the middle-school level, and Falls is scheduled to attend parent training later this spring.
And Saturday, April 27, the Sheriff's Department will sponsor a countywide DARE Day at the courthouse.
``The emphasis will be on alternatives to drugs,'' Phelps said. ``We'll emphasize opportunities in life to succeed.''
There also will be food, games, business people working with and relating to county youth. Phelps said his department received a state grant to sponsor the event.
And, of course, you can look for McGruff. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LINDA McNATT
Russ Whitley, who plays the crimefighting dog McGruff, was
nominated for recognition by DARE Lt. Gary Falls.
by CNB