A SOBER REMINDER

OSCEOLA— Every four years, Osceola hosts a mock car accident. They do this in timing with prom so students can see the serious effect of drinking and driving. This year was no exception.

Five high school students pretended to be in a car accident on Monday. Logan Watts, director of Polk County emergency management, directed the planned incident. The sirens went off. The police and ambulances arrived, followed by Steve Dubas (funeral home director) and a Life-Net helicopter. All students in junior high and high school were released to come outside and watch the emergency responders work.

Emergency responders worked as if this was a real accident. They took care of the students. Hayden Lavaley, the driver of one car was taken to an ambulance and treated for minor injuries. Matt DeMers was a passenger in that car and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Kale Gustafson was the driver of the other car, pronounced “dead” and taken to the funeral home. Sadie Sterup was cut out of the car and taken by ambulance to the hospital. Taylin Sanley was life-flighted out by Life-net helicopter. It was all very life-like and a few students went inside early due to the serious nature.

After all involved were taken to the appropriate places, Osceola students went inside to the gym for explanation of the situation and discussion on drinking and driving and its effects. Logan Watts (an Osceola Alumni) spoke to the students about character and legacy, and how poor decision making can impact how others view those two things about you for the rest of their lives. Hopefully this was a good reminder that will stick with Osceola students for a few years. Great job to all the emergency personnel who were involved. It was a good training for them in case something like this does happen. We hope and pray it does not. Students have a safe prom this weekend.