EARLVILLE- The accident may have been staged, but the emotions were real as students from Earlville and Leland saw up close the dangers of teen drinking. Jenette Fruit, Principal, narrated the scene in the parking lot of Earlville School in front of around 150 students from Earlville and Leland.
Kennedy Meloy, who portrayed an injured victim in the mock two vehicle crash, said it was “very realistic.”
The scenario described to the students involved a young man driving intoxicated after a Post-Prom party that killed another teen, Karly Van Dorsten.
Paramedics and firefighters from Earlville and Leland participated in the drill, along with Earlville Police and the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office. A LifeFlight Helicopter from Mercy Health landed at the school as the six students, many with makeup simulating injuries, were cut from the vehicles.
Julia Niles, another student involved in the wreck, hoped it would have some impact. After the students were all attended to at the scene by responders, including Van Dorsten, who was taken away by the LaSalle County Coroners Office, a mock funeral took place in the school gymnasium.
LaSalle County Deputy Felecia Rassmussen encouraged the students to have fun on Prom night, but to make good decisions.
Earlville Prom is Friday evening. Leland has their Prom on May 4th.
