'Don’t Let One Night of Excessive Fun Ruin Your Lives'

Looking at the attractive, intelligent young woman speaking to members of Masuk High School’s junior and senior class, it’s difficult to believe that this 31-year old is the victim of a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Lauren Blair, a 1997 Masuk graduate, told those gathered for the semi-annual Mock Crash and Pre-Prom Assembly yesterday that she is “lucky to be alive.”

“I made a promise that I would turn all of my blood, sweat and tears into something good,” Blair said.

It was during a visit when she was 25-years-old to family residing in Vermont that Blair and her boyfriend were hit by a drunk driver. “We never saw it coming,” Blair said. Along with sustaining traumatic head injuries, Blair lost her right eye.

Sharing her personal story, Blair was one of many volunteers who were part of this year’s assembly. Every other year, Masuk High School and Monroe’s police, fire and emergency medical service personnel demonstrate what could happen if someone drives after drinking alcohol. Using high school students to play the roles of the drivers and car passengers, a scenario involving young drivers who drive while intoxicated and text on cell phones unfolds.  

Town and school administrators — including First Selectman Stephen Vavrek, School Supt. Dr. Colleen Palmer and School Principal John Battista — urged the young people to make good choices as they celebrate the end of the school year.  

“Don’t let one night of excessive fun ruin your lives,” Vavrek said.

Battista also asked his students to “be smart and make good decisions.”

He said, “All of these people came here today for one reason: They care about you and they want you to make good decisions this weekend.”

Britney Proudfoot, 17, said she was impressed by the Mock Crash and speakers. Although she knew it was a dramatization, Britney was still upset to see her best friend, Molly Shea, playing the role of a young person killed in the car crash.

“It was very emotional to see her put in the body bag,” Britney said.

Britney also noted that seeing all of the ambulances, fire trucks and police cars that responded to the scene made her realize that “all of this could have been prevented by not drinking and driving. It all happened because someone made a stupid decision.”

One way that Britney hopes to stay safe this weekend is by attending Masuk High School’s Post Prom party. Every year students are invited to the high school for a party that features an assortment of food, elaborate decorations, games, entertainment and raffle prizes.

Patty Ochsendorf, a member of the Parent Teacher Club, told students Wednesday that they do not have to attend the Junior and Senior Prom to go to the Post Prom party. “You get a free T-shirt just for showing up,” she said.

The Post Prom is made possible through generous donations from the Monroe community and local businesses.

Jesse Schwartz and Jenn Lazor, both 16, said they plan to attend the Post Prom party. Jenn is going to drive herself. “This way I don’t have to deal with other people,” she said.

Lt. Brian McCauley of the Monroe Police Department reminded young people that drinking under the age of 21 is illegal. “And, we do take action,” he said.