Mock Crash: Students Witness ‘Something That Happens Everyday’
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The on-scene state trooper issues a field sobriety test to “Dusty” Doll, the fictional 17-year-old junior at Jesuit who drove and crashed his car under a state of intoxication. Junior Alex Doll acts out the character, “Dusty.”
On Friday, sophomores, juniors, and seniors witnessed a mock car crash depicting the events and lifelong effects that develop from driving while intoxicated. The event takes place every two years as part of the guidance department’s Student Development assembly, hosted by the student assessment coordinator, Mr. Donny Songy ’07.
View the Photo Gallery from the Student Development Assembly
The mock crash portrays a motor vehicle crash to increase awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence, driving unrestrained, and participating in high-risk behaviors like texting. Counselors and emergency workers stressed the importance of strong communication between parents and their teenage children with hopes to prevent a tragedy.
“This is something that happens everyday, and it could happen to them.” said Mr. Songy. “Students can take this experience and cultivate it into good decision-making. Avoiding the act of drinking and driving is not the only purpose of this. It’s not just something which you hold yourself accountable. You need to hold others accountable, too.”
The assembly also serves as an opportunity to increase compliance with Louisiana traffic safety laws, reinforce healthy decision-making skills, and decrease the number of injuries and fatalities associated with motor vehicle crashes. After the presentation, state troopers, medical professionals, and counselors were available to answer any questions.
Students in the Philelectic Society who portrayed major roles were Benjamin “Benji” May (deceased passenger), Alex “Dusty” Doll (intoxicated driver), Ben Schaubhut (sober driver), and Cole DiMaggio (severely injured passenger). Also participating were crew members Garrin Mesa and Michael Gieseler, while Matthew LoCoco read the student letter at the end of the skit. The participants were cast and coached by Phils director Kate Arthurs-Goldberg.
8th and 9th graders watch I Lived on Parker Avenue, the adoption documentary on Blue Jay alumnus David Scotton ’12.
In the other part of the guidance department assemblies, 8th and 9th graders reported to the auditorium for a screening of the film, I Lived on Parker Avenue. The underclassmen gained insight on another event that “happens everyday”—adoption.
The mock crash was held in coordination with Jesuit’s guidance department, student assessment and development program, and Philelectic Society; University Medical Center Trauma Injury Unit; Louisiana State Police; New Orleans EMS; and New Orleans Coroner’s Office. The video screening was also made possible through the guidance department, with help from the Pro-Life Club, David Scotton ’12, and the I Lived on Parker Avenue team.
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Galleries
Mock Crash, Student Development Assembly, March 2, 2018
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10th - 12th grade students take their seats as the mock crash begins. -
Meanwhile, 8th and 9th grade students watch the screening of "I Lived on Parker Avenue." -
The opening scene shows two cars with two passengers each, and the drivers of both cars were unharmed. They begin to panic as the state police arrive on scene. -
The state trooper administers a field sobriety test. -
Upperclassmen get a closer look at the scene as... -
...the shotgun rider is pulled out of the negligent driver's vehicle. Unfortunately, the critically injured student remains unstable in the other car. -
The severely injured shotgun rider, played by Cole DiMaggio, was pulled out of the car and rushed to the hospital. One doctor walks out of the operating room to inform DiMaggio's father that his son will survive but will have no choice but to re-learn his basic motor skills. -
The firefighter and paramedic cover Benjamin “Benji” May (the now deceased passenger) with a body bag. As with the other main characters, the fictional "Benji" is the real nickname for student actor Benjamin May, a Jesuit junior. -
Benji's parents, Roger and Regina May, listen to the devastating news from two state troopers, who say "this is the last and hardest thing that I ever want to do." Mrs. May sobs as she learns of her son's death. -
Ben Schaubhut (sober driver), Alex Doll (intoxicated driver), and Cole DiMaggio (severely injured passenger) -
Mr. Donny Songy '07, Jesuit's student assessment coordinator, thanks the volunteers who were "on-site" and on campus for Friday's assembly. -
Besides the student actors and their parents, the mock crash event is not possible without volunteers from the Louisiana State Police, the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office, University Medical Center's Level 1 Trauma Center, New Orleans EMS, and DND Towing. -
Behind the scenes: Louisiana State Troopers Dustin Dwight and Melissa Matey held big roles throughout the day. S/T Dwight served as narrator for the skit, while S/T Matey coordinated the entire event with Mr. Songy. -
Benjamin Clapper, executive producer of "I Lived on Parker Avenue," takes questions after the screening ends. Clapper is also the executive director for the Louisiana Right to Life. -
Blue Jays join in a round of applause.
