Pre-Prom SADD Rally Against DUI at Gaither High School
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Event: 3/31/2006
Contains: 61 photos 20060331-1 357065
Ghost Out at Gaither High School
March 31, 2006
Photos and story of this and other events by Anthony V. Masella Jr. and Lisa Kamps-Duac.
Ghost Out week was planned and carried out by SADD club, with support from the Gaither’s administration and faculty. Its intent was to send a message about the consequences of drinking and driving to the entire student body but especially the night before senior prom and summer break. The week culminated with Friday events of the "Grim Reaper" taking 55 students from their classrooms, indicating the number of people that die in the United States every day as a result of alcohol-related accidents.
Connie Delaney 9735a… Assistant Principal Connie Delaney was one that was visited by the Grim Reaper, who left a red carnation on the administrator or student's desk, gave them a specially designed t-shirt saying "I represent a DUI victim” and painted a tear on their face. They then were sent to sit in the back of the room. For the rest of the day they could not to talk to anyone accept other ghosts, or for academic purposes.
John Templeton 9770…The students ended their day with an assembly of seniors where John Templeton, a DUI offender told his story about the day he took the life from Julie Buckner when she was only 18. Being just four years older than his audience he stunned them with his message. He spoke openly and honestly about how he made the wrong choice. He drank without ever thinking about who would be the designated driver. Pleading guilty, he was charged with involuntary manslaughter, carrying a sentence of 15 years in prison. Julie’s family requested the judge to be lenient, they forgave him. He served one year in jail, is on probation, can never drive again, and speaks as often as he can to students. “It puts a little piece back each time I speak”, stated Templeton after the assembly.
Ghosts take the stage 9771… Ghosts lie in front of seniors 9777… Testimonials from stage 9786…After Mr. Templeton spoke all 55 "Ghosts" walked onto the stage, where tributes to victims of DUI accidents were read by the students, along with writing about what happens in the 7/10 of a second in a car crash at 55 mph. The senior class sat quietly for the entire assembly, recognizing the severity of one bad choice, and devoted a moment of silence to victims of drinking and driving. The students were dismissed with the hopes that this message will keep them safe during this special time of their lives. Perhaps Julie’s life was not taken in vain; maybe through public speaking on the consequence of making the wrong choice other lives can be saved
Anthony Tarallo 9732…Gaither sophomore Anthony Tarallo learns the facts about driving a vehicle impaired from SADD President Alicia Hall who coordinated the event
Lyle Hunter 9747… Having escaped the floods and destruction of his home city, Lyle Hunter left New Orleans on Labor Day and was welcomed with open arms at Gaither High School. Here he is being visited by the Grim Reaper (senior Faith Teigen and VP of SADD) to illustrate what we would be missing because of a serious mistake in judgment.
Andrew Ogden 9748… Senior Andrew Ogden gets a visit from the Grim Reaper.
Alica Hall 9764…At the conclusion of the days events, Students against Drunk Driving President and Coordinator of the days events, Alica Hall accepts the applause of her fellow seniors, faculty and the family of the late Julie Buckner of Lutz.
James Harrell 9744…Students James Harrell, Teddy Curtis, Tyla Tourinho, Yemi Oyeguyle and Teddy Dix felt the seriousness of the days events.
Timothy Hartzog 9738…Ghost sit in solemn silence, Timothy Hartzog, Nicole Campo, Assistant Principal Connie Delaney, Vanessa Vasquez, Lauren Elgar, Kyle Wilson, Chance Gloger, Anais Mendoza and Eric Bertran.