PHOTOS: 430 7th Grade students from the Lakewood Middle School today graduated the Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program.

G.R.E.A.T. is a school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum designed to prevent delinquency, violence and gang membership.

Under the directive of Lakewood Police Officers Alex Guzman and Pete La’Rosa, Detective Sandra Rodriguez and Jamie Schron of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and Joe Marron, Dawn Radonovitz, and Monica Cherry from the New Jersey State Parole Officers Department, the students attended a 45 minute class each Tuesday throughout the year.

“Law Enforcement and parents must work together to positively impact our children’s future,” stated Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato. “The G.R.E.A.T. Program does that at the perfect time, when our children are most impressionable and in most need of direction.  I commend the members of my Office and participating departments for working tirelessly to help parents and our schools mold students into solid outstanding citizens and adults.”

The program, which began in 2011, has since spread throughout Ocean County.

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