Although it all looked and felt very real, it was all staged and part of a planned mock disaster. As prom and graduation seasons approach, the program aimed at sending students a powerful message about how choices they make can have lasting impacts on their lives and the lives of others.
“Take it to heart,” said Principal Tony Petersen. “One decision, one moment, can change everything. Please, please think about the choices and decisions you make.”
Students watched as fire, police and EMS arrived at the mock crash scene with their sirens wailing and lights flashing. It was meant to look and feel as real as possible. They watched as an officer checked for Kate’s pulse and after finding none, covered her with a white sheet. They watched as Kate’s parents were brought to identify their daughter at the scene and say their goodbyes.
Firefighters crawled on top of the cars and slid through a rear window to assist others in the vehicles. They used their jaws of life and other rescue tools to roll back the roof of one car and extricate one student on a backboard.
Meanwhile, police were administering a sobriety test to Logan Garrett, one of the drivers. On wobbly legs, Garrett tried to walk a straight heel-to-toe line but lost his balance. Ultimately, he was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car.
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The second phase of the mock incident took place after everyone left the crash site. As students filtered into the high school auditorium, they saw a lone wooden casket sitting on the otherwise empty stage, heard soft music played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and watched photos of Kate’s life rotate across a big screen.
Thornapple Township Fire Chaplain Robert Vanzanen gave a brief funeral service while Kate’s parents sat by the casket. “Kate was struck and killed by a drunk driver. There was no way to know that the very last time you saw her was the last time you would see her alive. She was here and now she’s gone. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring,” he said.
The auditorium, although filled, became eerily silent. A few students wiped tears, because even though they knew it wasn’t real, they also understood it could become very real.
Kate’s life wasn’t the only one impacted by the crash. After the funeral, Garrett appeared in a mock trial setting. Garrett had been convicted of drunk driving causing a death and Barry County Judge Michael Schipper was ready to impose sentencing.
“This wasn’t an accident. You chose to drink and drive,” said Schipper as he sentenced the teen to 10 to 15 years in prison, forever changing his life and ending his plans for the future.
Afterward, Schipper told students he loves his job, but he hates these kinds of cases. “I don't want to see you in my court. If you are under 21, understand there is zero tolerance for any alcohol. You don’t have to be drunk and the crash doesn't even have to be your fault. It’s not worth it - just think about what it can do to your life and to someone else’s life. Be part of helping end these kinds of scenes,” said Schipper. “Make good choices every time.”
Joe Johnson, TTES paramedic, asked students to remember what they witnessed. “Please don’t put your friends and family through what you’ve just seen today. This wasn’t real today, but it’s very much like scenes we’ve been called out to too often.”
Students involved in the mock crash, which Student Council helped organize, also made their plea to classmates to think before they drive. “It’s a real thing. I’m almost in tears right now about all this. Please make smart decisions,” said Garrett.
Senior Alivia Raak said she will never forget this day. “It scared me and shook me up. It made a big impact on me for the rest of my life,” she said. Dylan Bailey, Charlotte Nelson, Grady Palazzolo, and Landon Conroy were the other three students involved in the mock crash.
Members of the TTES, Freeport Fire Department, Barry County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police were all involved in the mock event. Several members offered advice to students about what they had witnessed and reminded them that it’s not just about avoiding alcohol. They reminded students they need to also make smart choices about vaping, using marijuana, being too tired to drive safely and all kinds of distracted driving like looking at their phone or changing music in the car.
Matt Powers offered his final thoughts after playing the role of grieving father. “Make good decisions. Death is always final. Life is precious. Respect and enjoy every minute you have here on Earth.”