Reenactment of a 2009 auto accident caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol, gave West Milford High School juniors and seniors a reality check days before this year’s prom and graduation events. The mock accident on June 1 in a high school parking lot created a somber scene with grief-stricken and pensive students watching in deafening silence. About 100 participants, mostly volunteers, were involved in the presentation.
The wailing sirens of police cars, ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency responders, the sound of the approaching North Star Medivcac helicopter and finally the silent arrival of a hearse from Richard’s funeral home stunned the hundreds of students seated along the curb surrounding the parking lot.
The participants were equipped with wireless microphones, provided by Tom and Jerry Sconamilio, owners of The Music Den in Butler. The high school sound crew facilitating the sound included Ryan Hanenberg, Mark Lydecker, Keith Meola, Justin Chandler, Alex DeLaura and Ian O’Loughlin.
Before going to the mock accident scene the students saw a film filmed and edited by student Harry Fontan. It began with high school student actors Steve Kuchenruther, Jake Korinko, Meg Marino and Jackie Dougert having drinks before getting into a car to go to their prom. The crash and the chilling aftermath scene in the parking lot followed.
"Since a drunk driver crashed into my car every part of my life has been impacted and I am reminded of it every day," said Diane Sidoli.
She was one of several speakers who gave messages to the students. Sidoli uses a wheel chair as a result of loss of both of her legs after a drunk driver crashed into her car as she drove home from work.
This is the third time that a graduation-prom time drunk-driving related auto accident has been demonstrated at the high school, creator Peter Anzelone told Aim West Milford. He said the reenactment is held every two years. Anzelone is assistant principal and supervisor of health and physical education.
Hearing of the program in other schools, Anzelone observed presentations and then modified them for use in West Milford.
"We try to drive the point home as to what happens when people do not make good decisions," said Anzelone. "We try to burn it in the students’ brains to not get behind the wheel if they have been drinking."
"We, as a faculty, feel the loss of a student as well as their family and friends do," Anzelone told the students. "We care about each and every one. Take care of each other!"
"Police Officer Joseph Nevin has helped tremendously with this production," said Anzelone.
He also noted the cooperation and help from Acting Police Chief Gene Chiosie and Officers Anthony Parrello and Jill Brickman (West Milford High School graduates), Officer John Pescenti, in charge of Juvenile Protection, and School Principal Maureen Bernstock.
In introducing the program Guidance Counselor Don Heaney said the emergency responders volunteered their time to demonstrate the chaotic chain of events that occurs during an accident. He said that, unfortunately, the first responders too often have performed the tasks they were demonstrating.
"This presentation is not meant for your entertainment," said Heaney. "The reality is that these alcohol related accidents have happened in many places. I am sad to report that these preventable accidents have taken the lives of West Milford’s own. Do not dismiss this mock accident as ridiculous and say, ‘This won’t happen to me.’"
"In a few days you will be participating in the most important rituals of high school life," said Heaney. "High School graduation and attendance at the prom, for many, may involve drinking either before or after these events. More than likely someone who has had too much to drink will get behind the wheel of a car and drive."
"You should know that alcohol is associated with the leading cause of death among teen automobile crashes," said Heaney. "Although nearly one-third of all teen driving fatalities and injuries involve the use of alcohol, these rates shoot up around prom and graduation weekend, according to statistics on the Mothers Against Drunk Driving website. During prom weekends approximately 60 percent of all automobile facilities involve the use of alcohol."
SOURCE
----
Business owners and entrepreneurs who own any social venue and who are looking to start a cash business can now do there part in the prevention of Drunk Driving. Please visit alcobuddy.com. World's premiere Breathalyzer Vending Machine for more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment