WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Brenda Erhardt share that Pentucket Regional High School students, thanks to support from the West Newbury, Groveland and Merrimac police and fire departments, experienced a mock car crash on Tuesday afternoon.
The high school student body viewed the aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash with a fatal injury and arrest, highlighting the dangers of driving while distracted or while under the influence.
Members of the West Newbury, Groveland, and Merrimac Police and Fire Departments used two vehicles donated by Salisbury Auto Salvageto stage the mock crash.
“We hope this experience will help drive home with students the importance of making good decisions this prom season,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “Drinking and driving and driving distracted can have life-changing consequences, and we want all of our students to understand that sober reality.”
The event was organized by the Pentucket Regional High School’s chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), led by teacher John Honer, with student actors playing the roles of those involved in the crash. This was the first time since 2017 that a mock crash has been organized at Pentucket.
Students AnnaRose Bissett, Lily McIntyre, Fiona Moore, Narjis Musa, James Nightingale and Mason Skinner participated as actors while their classmates watched in silence.
First responders made the mock crash as realistic as possible. Police and firefighters responded to the high school, where two previously damaged vehicles had been set up in front of the school.
Student actors portrayed the drivers and passengers. A hearse from Rogers & Sons Family Funeral Home in Merrimac departed with the body of the student victim.
Cataldo and Atlantic Ambulance, which provide ambulance services to West Newbury, assisted with the event. Cataldo’s Director of Education Scott Meagher narrated the mock crash.
Following the mock crash, students from SADD led an assembly in the school’s auditorium to warn their classmates of the dangers of drinking and driving and driving distracted. The assembly was led by SADD student officers Lisibel Soto and James Nightingale, Kira Dolan, Lily McIntyre and Brie Brancato.
Superintendent Bartholomew and Principal Erhardt wish to recognize the SADD leaders for organizing the event, and first responders from the West Newbury, Groveland, and Merrimac police and fire departments.
