By GINA HARVEY Special to the Press
MONT BELVIEU—Fifty-three Barbers Hill High School students, in partnership with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, local law enforcement, and emergency personnel, will participate in the Shattered Dreams program on March 11 and 12. This impactful initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of teenage drinking and driving. In cases where such situations lead to traffic violations, seeking guidance from a traffic court attorney can help individuals understand their legal options and work toward a better outcome.
The two-day school-based program encourages high school students to make responsible decisions about drinking and driving by demonstrating how irresponsible actions can shatter dreams. Unique in its approach and powerful in its impact, Shattered Dreams is an educational experience that reminds participants of the serious consequences associated with drinking and driving, especially for young people. The program underscores that many young lives have already been lost or severely affected by the tragic outcomes of underage drinking and driving.
The Shattered Dreams program includes a dramatization of an alcohol-related crash staged near the high school campus at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11. This event features a realistic police and EMS response from the Mont Belvieu Police Department, the Mont Belvieu Fire Department, and emergency responders from Cove and Beach City. The enactment includes emergency room treatment, family notifications, and the arrest and booking of the driver.
The crash scene will be performed live for all junior and senior students at Barbers Hill High School during the school day. Additional elements of the “docu-drama” will unfold throughout the day. To help students understand the frequency of DWI-related deaths, a figure dressed as the “Grim Reaper” or a DPS officer will appear periodically to select new “victims.”
This powerful demonstration serves as a sobering reminder of the real consequences of impaired driving, emphasizing the importance of making responsible choices and seeking legal guidance when needed—such as consulting experienced West Palm Beach DUI Lawyers who can provide support and education on the dangers and legal repercussions of driving under the influence.
On the morning of March 12, a wrap-up assembly and mock funeral will feature the crash victims, the drunk driver, their parents, and participating law enforcement and medical personnel. Alongside impact statements from community members affected by teenage alcohol use and drunk driving, the program will also address the early signs of alcoholism. This addition aims to educate teenagers about recognizing and understanding these signs, reinforcing the program’s critical message on making safer choices and supporting a healthy community.
Counselors and grief professionals will be available to students, parents, and staff on both the day of the crash scene and the day after the funeral assembly. The emotional impact of the Shattered Dreams program is significant, resonating with both participants and those who witness these events.