On Thursday, May 16th, the Camden Central School District offered its juniors and seniors a heartfelt reminder of what can become of a risky decision to drive distracted or impaired. The District once again continued its tradition of partnering with local emergency service agencies to present a mock fatal car accident demonstration at Camden High School.
The High School administration is committed to supporting programs that bring awareness of destructive decisions and their consequences to students. This demonstration is a significant part of that commitment, and they work with the Student Advocacy Association, formerly known as S.A.D.D, to educate students on how one avoidable bad decision can change everything.
“It’s so important to educate our students on the lasting impact that decisions can have on themselves, others, and our community,” principal Christopher Centner said. “We want our students to grow up to live happy, fulfilling, and productive lives, and that can all be taken away in the blink of an eye when bad choices are made. So it’s really important that we reinforce this message now.”
Early in the afternoon, students were transported from their normal school day, and into a front row seat to the dramatized aftermath of a three-car impaired driving accident scene, as set up in the school’s front bus loop and auditorium.
Sergeant Aaron Alvard from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office served as narrator, and guided students through the sobering scene that follows a crash of this magnitude. Senior Ava Platt played the eyewitness who called 911 for assistance, which effectively started the demonstration. Students Calli Evans, Bella Keller, Ella Winters, Madison Hildenbrandt, Thomas Potter, and Piper Snyder used their performing arts background to play out the scene that followed as the drivers and passengers that were involved in the accident. They were prepared for the event with the help of Drama Club Advisors and Theater Teachers Stephanie Heath and Amanda Hughes.
The Camden Fire Department, Camden Ambulance, Camden Police Department, and Oneida County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the scene on cue, offering students a glimpse at the immense amount of personnel response that can be needed for an incident of this magnitude.
When they arrived, the emergency service crews went to work demonstrating how they would respond in the event of this type of accident. Law Enforcement helped to secure the scene while EMS and Fire Department crews began extracting the involved parties for transport. The moment provided an opportunity for students to see a mechanical passenger extraction through the use of hydraulic rescue tools, also known as the “Jaws of Life”. Responders worked quickly to remove the roof of one of the vehicles.
As that happened, students witnessed the finality of the decision to drive impaired through two distinct, but interconnected lenses. The perspective of the person responsible for the crash was portrayed by Bella Keller, who was taken from the scene by ambulance, and later, by handcuffs as officers conducted a simulated arrest.
The perspective of the deceased was demonstrated by Calli Evans, who added this important role to several other major roles she has played during her high school years. Evans was removed from the vehicle she occupied, placed on a backboard by EMS personnel, and transported to a hearse generously provided by LaRobardiere Funeral Home.
Once that was completed, the program transitioned into the auditorium. Following a brief video, students saw the reality of what happens following a fatal impaired driving accident. Calli’s parents, Jami Barnum and Hawley Evans, graciously agreed to act out the family notification scene alongside Camden Police Department chief Sean Redden.
The scene then quickly moved to a courthouse setting, where Camden Town Justice Dana Liberatore demonstrated an arraignment. Bookkeeper to the Camden Town Supervisor, Casey Okusko, stepped in to play the role of Keller’s legal representation. Finally, LaRobardiere Funeral Home wheeled in an opened casket. Inside of that casket was a mirror, and an enduring message for anyone who wished to peek inside.
“Don’t let this be you, make good choices.”
Camden High School would like to thank several individuals and agencies whose time and effort made this educational presentation possible.
Students
Calli Evans, Bella Keller, Ella Winters, Madison Hildenbrandt, Ava Platt, Thomas Potter, and Piper Snyder
Community Members
Mrs. Jami Barnum and Mr. Hawley Evans - Parents,
The Hon. Dana Liberatore and Casey Okusko - Town of Camden
Sergeant Aaron Avard, Deputy Aldoori, Deputy DeLong, Deputy Colucy, and School Patrol Officer Dustin Hite - Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.
Camden Police Department
Camden Fire Department
Camden Ambulance
LaRobardiere Funeral Home
School Staff
Mrs. Jennifer Stottlar
Mrs. Michelle Mellon
Mr. Matthew Donaleski
Mrs. Amanda Hughes
Mrs. Stephanie Heath
Mr. Randy Bajohr
Mr. Bob Steria
Mrs. Rebecca Ciotti
