Half a second. A brief moment in time for some. The pivotal factor between life and death for others.
On Wednesday, April 23rd, North Penn High School performed their annual DUI assembly for the 2025 seniors as prom awaits just over two weeks away.
Senior class cabinet plans this assembly to caution students against the dangers of drinking and driving. Every day someone dies in an accident caused by drunk drivers whether it be that of the intoxicated or the victim of someone who made a poor decision.
Driving under the influence is an act that is not only dangerous but also preventable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports about 34 deaths per day due to driving accidents on the influence.
Public speaking scholars, Ben Tucker and Alana Nguyen, narrated the scene as student volunteers — Julia Beaver, Malini Kondisetty, Nick Goepel, and Laynie Drolet — as well as local Police officers, Firefighters, and EMS workers reenacted a terrifyingly realistic crash, similar to ones that happen every day.
“Mr. Rhone and I work together to coordinate logistics. It entails working with a script of the scenario portrayed in the reenactment and coordinating with the many volunteers: our local police departments, fire departments, EMS teams, Forge Gate towing, the JeffSTAT helicopter team, facilities staff, security personnel, student actors, student narrators, and all other school staff involved in contributing to the efforts of the event,” Assistant principal Ken Bui comments in regards to all that went into the making of the reenactment.
It is with great hope that student’s takeaway how crucial it is to make good decisions. Life is a domino effect, your choice will impact the fate of others.
“Driving under the influence can have long-lasting and even tragic consequences,” Bui explained, “It is always important to consider the potential ramifications of your decisions. We want our students to lead lives steeped in thoughtful and wise decision-making.”
On Thursday, April 24th, the seniors had a follow up assembly during second period in the auditorium where a Pennsylvania State Trooper shared the story of his best friend who unfortunately died because of a dui situation.
The words Trooper Ross Greenwood spoke left the seniors in silence, teary eyes scattered across the audience.
“I felt that [the speaker’s story] spread an important message,” North Penn Senior Ava Ratliff said, “It made me realize the gravity of driving under the influence and that it could happen to anyone.”
The story reminded everyone to hug their friends and family, and make good choices.
“[The Trooper] set a very somber tone which made the whole room feel the impact,” senior Kathryn Romanoski said, “it really opens your eyes and makes you tell your best friend you love them.”
Drive smart, drive safe, and don’t drive under the influence.
