"Forever Changed:" Consequences of bad decisions on display at New Berlin West ahead of prom
NEW BERLIN -- Just days before the New Berlin West High School prom, on Wednesday, April 20th, students learned a stark lesson regarding post-prom safety. They witnessed the consequences of bad decisions as a mock crash scene was set up.
"Forever Changed" program at New Berlin West High School
"It`s definitely a big surprise that a lot of us didn`t see coming," John Kozlowski, a junior at New Berlin West said.
Ten days before prom, students took part in the "Forever Changed" program, which involved the setting up of a mock crash scene. The crash in this case was caused by one drunk driver, and one distracted driver.
"Forever Changed" program at New Berlin West High School
The horrors of crash-related injuries and even a fatality were graphically illustrated.
"The red blood on the side of the car and stuff like that and just on the face, I mean, it`s definitely, kind of brings realism to the whole situation," Kozlowski said.
"Forever Changed" program at New Berlin West High School
The program is touted as a way to help students better understand the devastating impact a serious crash can have on a community.
"It`s one of those things that, we hope, just builds an awareness for students and allows them to just take a step back and recognize that something like this could happen," Michael Fesenmaier, New Berlin West principal said.
"It was very frightening," Katey Devine, New Berlin West junior said.
"Forever Changed" program at New Berlin West High School
Devine said a couple of friends were missing from class on Wednesday morning.
"And I was wondering where they are. And then I see one of them on the hood of the car, and the other one with her legs pinned in the car, and it just terrified me," Devine said.
"Forever Changed" program at New Berlin West High School
Parents said they hope this fear fuels the making of good decisions during prom.
"Even though you know it's fake, there's a sense of reality behind it and how quick it can happen. It just really put it in context," Lynda Meleski said.
"Forever Changed" program at New Berlin West High School
Part of the lesson during this program including listening to a eulogy from the father of the person killed in the crash, along with details of the other students' injuries and how their lives were "Forever Changed."
New Berlin West High School's prom is April 30th.
"Forever Changed" program at New Berlin West High School