Truman HS Student's Death Alters Pre-Prom Tradition

For more than a decade, students at have participated in a unique yearly event leading up to their senior prom, according to a news release.

The seniors are involved in a simulated auto crash complete with emergency response teams, ambulances, helicopter medi-vac, and the jaws of life. Even the grim reaper dressed in black with the trademark sickle makes an appearance.  

The event is the culmination of a year-long process organized by Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) Advisor and teacher, Jill Saul. Their goal is to impress upon students the importance of making safe decisions on Prom Night -- or any time for that matter.

This year will be different, however. The death several weeks ago of fellow student Edward Brodecki in a horrific auto accident just blocks from the high school has caused SADD to change this year’s program.  

Instead of the auto crash with emergency teams, all 400 prospective prom-goers will meet in the high school auditorium on Wednesday, May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss the consequences of destructive decisions. Speakers include individuals whose children or close relations have died due to DUI and other poor decisions made by themselves or others around them.

"It is too soon to subject the students to the sight of a serious accident. Many still grieve their friend's death," Mrs. Saul explained. "We think this half-day seminar will be a less painful, but still powerful approach to getting our message out to the students."