...The morning of April 21st was bright and sunny. No one would ever have expected something so horrible, so tragic to occur. In a head-on collision due to distracted driving, Lawrence County CTC lost seven of their senior Peer Leaders. Two students were injured and rushed to the hospital by ambulance. One of the drivers was charged and arrested with driving under the influence, underage drinking, and involuntary manslaughter...This tragic story could be real; thankfully, it is just an anecdote of what might occur if students forget to "be focused, be safe, and be sober."
April 21st was an eye-opening experience for the entire student body at LCCTC. Approximately 500 students and staff congregated around the mock accident staged in the parking lot. "It was very real. After seeing the entire presentation," remembers Halle St. Clair, "I vow to never be a distracted driver from this point on. It changed my perspective."
"On the one hand, we did look a little silly with all of the makeup, and that part was fun," remembers Lacey Lopes. "However, this emotion conflicted with the seriousness of the event." The possibility of such an accident occurring is true.
"So amazed I got to be a part of this wonderful activity!" posted Makaila Holsinger. As the acting "driver," she pictured herself as causing the accident because she was texting while driving. "It made me realize how dangerous distracted driving truly is."
Allison Clingensmith posted, "Honestly -- being inside of that car was beyond scary." Yes -- it was all part of an elaborate play, but it really had an impact to all who participated -- and on all who observed.
In conjunction with the Peer Leaders, Mr. Pavia, and Mrs. Cwynar, we would like to give a HUGE shout out to the New Castle Fire Department, Noga Ambulance, the New Castle Police Department, and the Lawrence County Coroner, as well as Nadine Kirkwood and Attorney Flannery. Thank you for coming to our school!! We cannot thank you enough!!!!
Overall, it was a sobering experience.
