Susquehanna County Coroner Anthony Conarton and emergency personnel prepare the body of mock crash fatality Dallas Ely for transport. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
BY STACI WILSON
The end of each school year brings a host of student celebrations – from prom to graduation.
In an effort to drive home the importance of safely celebrating without alcohol, a mock crash was staged Thursday atMontroseAreaHigh School.
In the two-vehicle mock crash, coordinated by the school’s SADD club and Susquehanna County Juvenile Probation Officer Sami Bourizk, several were transported by ambulance; one was air lifted from the scene; one student was charged with Driving Under the Influence; and one student died.
Jeremy Dibble and Anneliese Hamernick were thrown from the crash vehicles as part of the pre-prom mock crash staged Thursday at Montrose High School. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
In an assembly that followed the crash, Bourizk said, “There are consequences – families, friends, injuries and legal. Unfortunately, DUI’s are common.”
He also reminded students about the dangers of texting while driving, especially on the winding roads in the area.
“We all want you to succeed. We all want you to have a future,” he said. “One mistake could really screw up your whole career.”
SADD President Michael Roman, a MAHS senior, said, “Our goal is to make sure this
Driver Curt Kimsey is placed under arrest by state police during the mock car crash staged Thursday at Montrose Area High School. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
doesn’t happen to any of us.” And he invited students to sign the “Prom Promise” for a chance to win prizes.
“It changes everybody’s life drastically,” said Roman. “Think about the right thing to do when prom is over.”
High School Principal James Tallarico said, “What you experienced today – we don’t want you to experience.”
But he added, “From this point on every decision you make can have an impact on you, your family, friends. Hopefully, we’ll get through this season in one piece.”
Bourzik added, “It’s not just about the prom. Think about the future, tomorrow, next week. It’s important to understand what the future
Guthrie Air and local emergency responders load Montrose High’s Anneliese Hamernick onto the helicopter to fly her out for medical treatment as part of the pre-prom mock crash staged Thursday at Montrose High School. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
holds.”
“I cannot stress how many times I’ve seen kids ruin their lives by the drastic choices they make,” Bourzik said.
He advised the students to set goals for their lives. “Be adamant with those goals – be disciplined; and realized they won’t happen overnight.”
He also spoke about various resources available in the community for those who may have issues with substance abuse.
“It’s too late when you’re either wearing a pair of handcuffs or you’re six-feet under,” Bourzik warned.
Mock crash injured Kate Kielceski checks on the condition of Anneliese Hamernick and Jeremy Dibble prior to emergency responders arrival at the scene of the pre-prom mock crash staged Thursday at Montrose Area High School. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
Montrose Minute Men Ryan Tator and Vince Birchard carry out the mock crash injured Kate Kielceski Thursday at Montrose High School. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
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