www.newrivervalley.com

I am responding to the article regarding the mock DUI crash, "Shattered Dreams," at Christiansburg High School ("High school students witness mock car crash," May 3). I am very disappointed that the reporter and The Roanoke Times focused their coverage of the crash on some who thought it was something laughable.

I understand our message might not have reached everyone and a few students might not have grasped the seriousness of drinking and driving, so they had negative responses.

Yet, I doubt you would hear negativity from the more than 40 emergency personnel who participated. It is very unfortunate some chose not to thank and appreciate what these individuals worked so hard to present.

With a program as important as saving lives, I would have hoped the media could have focused on all of the positive aspects of the program.

This was a volunteer event that took months of planning between Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Christiansburg Junior Rescue Squad, Virginia State Police, Carilion Life Guard, Christiansburg Police Department, Christiansburg Fire Department, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Eileen Jackson, Christiansburg High School, Horne's Funeral Services, Harmon's Service Center and local radio stations.

These groups gave up their time and hard work in support of this cause. Many people took off a day of work and many went right from Shattered Dreams to work again. Where is the appreciation for these workers?

The media focused could have been on the scope of involvement and support from the community. Commonwealth's Attorney Brad Finch, Sheriff Tommy Whitt, officers from the Juvenile and Adult Probation Services, representatives from the school superintendent's office and parents were in attendance to show their support. Where are the comments from these individuals who congratulated and praised us for our presentation?

All agencies worked diligently to portray a true and accurate version of the events. From cribbing the vehicle to using the jaws of life equipment, all safety procedures were met.

Debbie Akers, regional education coordinator for Western Virginia EMS, dedicated her time and expertise to create moulage to make up the injuries for our students. This moulage is as real as it can be without actually having injuries. This is the same moulage that is used in training and certifying emergency personnel. It took two hours to make all the students up and days to create the moulage. What a privilege it was to have her expertise to transform the students.

Why not emphasize the students who were involved in the demonstration? Why not focus on these young people who were making a difference? What about the Junior Rescue Squad members who were setting excellent examples and making good choices? These young people help save lives every time they answer a call.

How about the mock victims, the SADD students who cared enough to participate? How did the experience affect them and their parents? What about the students who approached rescue members afterwards wanting to join the squad because we made an impact?

The true story and heroes were left unsung by The Roanoke Times' coverage.

I would like to thank the parents, teachers and students who valued our presentation. I would also like to thank David Grimes for his positive reporting and encourage supporters of this presentation to view his story at everythingnrv.com.

I applaud the dedication and participation of all the emergency workers who supported Shattered Dreams.

Sherri Blevins owns New River Valley Driving School, which sponsored and coordinated Shattered Dreams. She lives in Christiansburg.