The GREAT program - Gang Resistance Education and Training - seemed to be well received by the fifth graders.
"I think it is a very good program," said 10-year old Ashlyn Dial. "Marc teaches it well because he lets us all learn. He takes time with us and explains everything."
"I learned that gangs are bad and that you should never make bad decisions," Dial said.
Dial described a number of activities the students performed, including games and word searches, to help the fifth graders grasp the lessons.
One activity Dial remembered was a game of telephone Godwin used teach students about rumors.
The students passed around something Godwin told them until every student had taken a turn telling someone else.
According to Dial, Godwin initially said something like "I'm having a party on Wednesday. Would you bring cookies on Monday?"
After the class was finished this around, Dial said the final product was something like "There is a chicken at school and he is hiding in the bushes."
Her mother, Paula Dial, was glad about the program.
"I appreciate the knowledge that Officer Marc has given our students to help protect them from harmful influences in today's society," she said.
Paula Dial is also a fifth-grade teacher at South Scotland.
Walter Jackson, 11, said he also enjoyed the program.
Jackson said he learned "how to make good decisions and how not to get involved with the wrong crowd."
His favorite part was "doing the skits where we get to interact with the program."
Some of the skits were on bullying and how to treat others, Jackson said.
"I think it is very interesting to have someone come and teach us how to be safe," said Kaitlin Lewis, 10.
"I think I've learned that if people try to give you stuff from the street ... you just walk away," Lewis said.
She also said she also learned that it is important to stay safe and follow the law.
Godwin said the GREAT program is an important effort by law enforcement to prevent future gang activity in Scotland County youth.
"It gives children the tools they need to avoid this kind of activity," Godwin said.
He listed key aspects of the program
• Decision making
• Communicating
• Anger management
• Respecting others
• Being a good citizen
Godwin also said the lessons don't stop at the classroom door - each student is given a letter to take to their parents that keeps them informed with what their children are learning.
"The teachers thought it was well received and very much needed in their school system," Godwin said.
He estimated that 100 students or so were in his GREAT classes this year.
"Next year, I am hoping to double that number," Godwin said.
South Scotland was one of two Scotland schools to participate in the program's inaugural year. The other school was North Laurinburg.
Godwin said he hopes to have the program at other area schools.
The staff of South Scotland also expressed support for the program.
"It is good to get this education before they get to the higher grades," said June Brooks, P.E. teacher. "We are just thankful that [Godwin] came to speak to us at South Scotland."
"We are really appreciative of the Laurinburg Police Department taking time out" for this program, said school system spokesman Andy Cagle.
He said that violence and gang activity is an important issue that students will need to know how to face.
"This gentleman coming has influenced more than just the fifth grade," said Principal Pat Gates.
She said he met with others and had an impact on everyone.
"The officer has brought a lot of knowledge, not just to the students but also to the staff," said Teresa Carroll, an administrator at South Scotland.
Carroll explained that many of the staff members did not know what to look for, especially with gang signs. She said Godwin also showed staff how to better help the students.
"The GREAT program has been in existence for sometimes," said Chief J.T. Evans, LPD.
He said he has heard a lot about the program over the past five years and spoke to Godwin about getting involved.
Godwin went to school to get certified to teach the course to fifth and sixth graders.
"Its kind of like the old DARE program," Evans said, just for gangs instead of drugs.
"It's to teach kids about gang and gang activities and why not to get involved with gangs," Evans said. "All the things they hear on the streets aren't true. They think they are making friends, but they are making more enemies than friends."
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