For the past two years Meredith has been serving as the N.C. Representative on the National D.A.R.E. Youth Advisory Board.  The Youth Advisory Board gives D.A.R.E. graduates an opportunity to speak to issues impacting the national and worldwide D.A.R.E. program and to advise D.A.R.E. America and local D.A.R.E. programs, government and community leaders on drug and violence prevention strategies beneficial to our youth. Members are also involved in starting Peer PLUS after-school programs, role modeling, and speaking at local and state D.A.R.E. functions.  Board members are eligible and may compete for a $20,000 D.A.R.E. America Scholarship.

Over the past two years Meredith has shown her leadership skills through several initiatives including, developing homework help program, mentoring a group of middle school girls, coordinating a canned food drive at Smith Elementary School to benefit a local food bank, and organizing many Red Ribbon Week activities.

She has spoken to numerous D.A.R.E. Officers around the State of NC and also networked with fellow Youth Advisory Board members in other states. 

The Burlington Police Department would like to congratulate Meredith Draughn on being chosen as the 2008 D.A.R.E. America Scholarship winner.