Shattered Dreams
Purpose
"Shattered Dreams" is an educational experience that shows teenagers the dangers associated with drinking and driving. It serves as a reminder that too many young lives have already been lost and countless others severely impaired because of the tragic consequences of underage drinking combined with driving.
Dramatization
The "Shattered Dreams" program involves the dramatization of an alcohol-related crash on one of the high school campuses, complete with fire, police and EMS response, a life flight helicopter, emergency room treatment at one of the local hospitals, family notifications, and the arrest and booking of the driver.
The crash scene drama is played out before the student body during a school day. Throughout the day the other elements of the "docudrama" unfold. To give students a better understanding of the number of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) related deaths, an individual dressed as the "Grim Reaper" appears periodically throughout the school day to select a "new victim". The "victims" are taken out of class, and remain "deceased" for the remainder of the school day and the whole night.
Wrap-Up
The next morning, a wrap-up assembly, including a "funeral" is held featuring those who played roles in the previous day’s drama, including the "crash victims," the "drunk driver," their parents, and participating law enforcement and medical personnel. Impact statements from community members whose lives have been affected by teenage alcohol use and drunk driving bring closure to the program and reinforce its dual message for the teenage audience - Don’t drink until you are 21, and never drink and drive.