PBHS juniors witnessed a powerful “mock crash” last Friday morning. The goal was to highlight the life-altering stakes of driving while impaired or distracted. With prom just hours away, the goal was clear: Make good decisions.
Town of Crawford Police Chief Dominic Blasko walked students through the staged fatality, reminding them that in rural areas, emergency response times are often 7–12 minutes—precious time that isn’t always guaranteed.
After the demonstration, the juniors went into the auditorium to hear the story of Brian Strommer of Washingtonville. He lost his son, also named Brian, on Labor Day weekend in 2010.
“He made bad choices, he did stupid things, but he was neither stupid nor bad,” said Mr. Strommer. “He was a good kid, a great brother. He was charming. He loved his music, he fixed cars. He was funny and had a great sense of humor.”
But he made a bad choice that took his life. He and others were celebrating one of his friend’s 21st birthday. They had been drinking and smoking weed. One of his friends got behind the wheel, another in the front seat and Brian in the back. They were going 80 miles per hour at 2 a.m. on Route 208 heading into Washingtonville and crashed. Both in the front seat survived. Brian was thrown from the car and was found dead a couple hours later.
The driver was found guilty of aggravated vehicular homicide and sentenced to 4-12 years in prison. The effects didn’t end there. The passenger was severely injured in the crash and lived the rest of his life in pain and had nine surgeries. He turned to heroin for his pain and died five years after the crash from an overdose.
Brian’s family was devastated after losing him. Mr. Strommer explained how his presence is always missed at all the family functions and milestones that have happened since September, 2010.
There are two takeaways he wanted the students to remember:
- Be aware – Know who you are with and what they are doing.
- Beware – There are consequences. New York state will hold you accountable.
“You are your best advocate,” Mr. Strommer told the group. “Take care of yourself. Make smart choices.”
After Mr. Strommer’s talk, juniors crowded the front of the auditorium to sign the prom promise, vowing to make good choices for prom night and all others. Ashley Nelson, IMPACT Prevention Specialist at Pine Bush Schools, handed out card that her fifth-graders in the Too Good For Drugs classes created for the juniors. They encouraged them to make good choices and not fall prey to peer pressure.
Alayne Eisloeffel, program director at the Tri-County Prevention Coalition, was on hand as well. She has been an integral part of prevention message in our district.
Thank you to all the volunteers and emergency responders who helped make this impactful event possible.