FCCLA-led assembly, speeches promote safe driving

StandleyLake students were left speechless after witnessing the Alive@25 mock accident. The incredibly real simulation featured policemen, firemen, victims and even a Flight for Life helicopter. Even in the gym, where freshmen and sophomores were collected, there were tears abound.

According to Ms. Carrie Vanni, who played a large part in organizing the event, this is exactly what was hoped for. "The purpose of Alive@25 is to educate students on unsafe driving habits, and to instill in them that a split second can change lives forever," said Vanni.

Brittanie Dickson, who gave a speech in the gym, knows first hand how drastically an accident can change a life, after losing her best friend Carissa Thompson over the summer. "Our group of friends is still together, but we're not the same. Instead of thinking about our futures, we are still thinking about the past. Each of us trying to hold on to the last moments we'd had with her," said Dickson.

The mock accident also changed the lives of several imaginary victims. People were being wheeled to ambulances while at the same time, only feet away, a body bag was zipped shut.

One might wonder why Alive@25 is necessary. According to Vanni, "Due to the past and recent accidents in our community we need to make sure that students realize that they need to implement safe driving habits."

Dickson also says that safe driving is important, "If you don't want to do it for yourself, then do it for your family and friends, because they are the ones that are left behind to pick up the pieces after you're gone." She said in her speech.

Ironically, while it takes only a few seconds and one poor decision to cause a real accident, preparation leading up to the annual Alive@25 event required the assistance of many people at SLHS and in the community, and we can only hope that their efforts will save a life.

- Mary Dashiell, staff writer, freshman