Starkville Police Department Corporal Tonya McWhirter, who has served as a local Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Officer for over two decades, was recently named National D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year. This prestigious recognition was announced at the 36th International D.A.R.E. Training Conference held in Orlando, Florida on July 29.
Throughout her 24-year tenure in law enforcement, Cpl. McWhirter has displayed an undying passion for the D.A.R.E. program. She has dedicated her career to educating students on imperative subjects such as drug abuse, decision making, peer pressure, and bullying.
Born and bred in Starkville, McWhirter’s childhood was marred by domestic violence and divorce – experiences that molded her future career aspirations. Determined to be a beacon of change, she aspired to make positive connections with children and portray police officers in a compassionate light. After studying social work with an emphasis on corrections at Mississippi State University, she joined law enforcement, first as a member of the MSU Police Department and later with the Louisville Police Department. McWhirter’s career took a pivotal turn when she was introduced and subsequently trained for the D.A.R.E. program.
Recognized previously as Mississippi’s D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year in 2016, McWhirter’s recognition on the national stage is a testament to her innovative approach and dedication. Under her leadership, the D.A.R.E. program in Starkville has transcended beyond its traditional “Just Say No” campaign to include comprehensive lessons on decision making, peer pressure, bullying, and understanding the risks and consequences associated with various actions. McWhirter’s contributions have not been limited to the D.A.R.E. program in Starkville. Following a statewide coordinator’s invitation to her to serve as a D.A.R.E. mentor in 2007, she has actively participated in the spread of the program across Mississippi and Alabama.
McWhirter’s tireless efforts have resulted in the D.A.R.E. program reaching an ever-increasing number of students. Over the past year, she expanded the program’s scope to include Pre-K, elementary and middle school students across several institutions in Starkville. This expansion has seen her reach out to 1,600 students imparting essential life lessons. The Starkville Police Chief, Mark Ballard, praised her dedication. “Corporal McWhirter’s recognition as the National D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year is a well-deserved honor that reflects her longtime passion and dedication to the D.A.R.E. program,” Ballard said in a recent press release. “Her innovative approach and commitment to the program’s evolution ensure that our students are equipped with the skills they need to make positive decisions and lead healthy lives.”
Despite the strides she has made in expanding the D.A.R.E. program so far, McWhirter has no intention of resting on her laurels. She hopes to expand the program to high schools in the future and even offer some of D.A.R.E.’s community training to the public. “It’s very rewarding to be recognized for such a prestigious award. I never thought I would be, but I never set out to be, if that makes sense. I just did it because I love it. I love it,” McWhirter said.
