The mock driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) presentation began with skits of two groups of students at two separate prom after-parties being acted out on stage in the district auditorium. While one group was relaxing and hanging out, the other group decided to incorporate alcohol into their festivities.

While the crash scene was being set up outside, students in ninth grade through 12th grade heard from a local police officer about the consequences of driving while impaired/drunk or under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The students then went outside to the front bus loop to witness what typically happens at a crash scene: Police arrived with local emergency personnel and the necessary vehicles. While a police officer performed a field sobriety test on the impaired driver, local fire department members extracted the victims from the two cars. A Starflight helicopter landed and a victim was loaded into the aircraft. Another injured student was taken by ambulance from the scene. A “deceased” victim was then placed into a hearse and escorted away.

After about 20 minutes outside, the observers returned to the auditorium to witness what an arraignment with a local judge looks like. The presentation concluded with a funeral service for the “deceased” student and a eulogy given by school board member Matt Bogosian. All of these pieces were included to make it as realistic as possible in the hope that our students understand the possible repercussions of drinking and driving after prom or any event.

Submitted Photo Silver Creek Central School put on a mock driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) presentation ahead of Saturday night’s prom.

The district is grateful to the Silver Creek Volunteer Fire Department, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Starflight, the Hole Parker Funeral Home, the district SADD Club, along with the local judge and county coroner for volunteering for this safety-based effort.