A mock drunk-driving accident was staged at Buddy Bufford Field during "Prom Week" to remind students of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Pictured preparing one of the survivors (Mark Hill) to be transported to an Augusta hospital by an Air Med helicopter (inset and background) are: (l-r) Cassie Smith, a volunteer with the Lincoln County Rescue Unit; Brad Pittman, a paramedic with Lincoln County OES; Tony Jordan, a critical care paramedic; EMT Brandon Reed; EMT Jeff Waller; and Chuck Carroll, a rescue unit volunteer. A variety of activities were held at LCHS during "Prom Week," April 17-22, to encourage students to stay away from drugs and alcohol on the big night.

Sponsored by the LCHS Students Council, the activities included:

Monday - "Block Out Drugs and Alcohol Day!"

During lunch, students signed pledges stating, "I can have a positive influence on my life and my friends' lives. My decisions are my own, and they are responsible ones. That's why I have decided to be safe and sober. Whether or not I go to the prom, I promise not to use alcohol or other drugs. This is a promise I take seriously. It's one I intend to keep for my sake and the sake of my friends and family. I'm signing it. I'm keeping it."

Pictured extricating accident "victim" Mark Hill from his truck are: (l-r) Brad Pittman, a paramedic with Lincoln County OES; Tony Jordan, a critical care paramedic; Cassie Smith, a volunteer with the Lincoln County Rescue Unit; and EMT Jeff Waller. The drunk-driving accident was staged at Buddy Bufford Field during "Prom Week" to remind students not to drink and drive. Everyone who signed a pledge card had his nose "sunblocked."

Tuesday - "Anti-Pot Polka Dot Day!"

Students were urged to take a stand against marijuana and other drugs by wearing polka dots to school.

Wednesday - "Drink the Booze, Get the Blues!"

Students were asked to show their resolve to stay away from alcohol by wearing all blue.

Thursday - "Ghost Day!"

During the day, the "Grim Reaper" took students out of class to transform them into ghosts. When the students returned to class, their faces were covered with white paint, and they were not allowed to speak to anyone except other ghosts. The purpose of this activity was to remind students that every 30 minutes, a person dies in an alcohol-related accident in the United States.

Serving as ghosts were Amanda Broom, Amanda Gay, Latoya Harris, Breauna Jenkins, Kayla Lyons, Raphael Albea, Kitty Ball, Jazmon Dukes, Vance Woods, Jessica Wynn, La'Shay Elam, Allison McGill, Tawanna Wright, Dontae Zellars, Jaeda Bennett, Arnell Ferguson, Nicole Green, Viola Harris, Ghangela Jones, Whitney Kirkland, Cheron Ware, and Kandice Prince.

Then, at lunch, the student council charged students $1 each to drive a golf cart around a special obstacle course using "beer goggles" which served to impair their vision. This activity helped students realize the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The money raised by the student council was donated to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

The highlight of the day was the mock drunk-driving accident that occurred on the football field to further impress upon the student body the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The following individuals and agencies took part in the simulation: Marcella Goldman, Mark Hill, Vance Woods, Nicole Green, Amanda Broom, Cheron Ware, Kitty Ball, Amanda Gay, Jessica Wynn, Jaeda Bennett, Lincoln County EMS, the Lincolnton Volunteer Fire Department, the Lincoln County Rescue Unit, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the Georgia State Patrol, Fast Times Wrecker Service, the Air Med Helicopter Service of Augusta, and Beggs Funeral Home.

The scenario ended with the words: "One night. One bad decision. An eternity of regret."

In her comments, Dana Brennan, student council advisor, thanked the members of the student council for all of their hard work. She also expressed her appreciation to those from the community who made the mock drunk-driving scenario possible.

She went on to add, "I hope the week's activities will continue to serve a reminder to students of the importance

of remaining drug and alcohol free. There are some decisions that can't be reversed."