Oct. 6th & 7th, 2010. My high school hosted the Every 15 minutes Program, I participated by being on the Tech Crew. This was no doubt one of the hardest things I have ever dealt with in my life. This is an Amazing program, I thank all of you for the lives you have saved and those to come. Sincerely, Dylan Kielcheski Dylan kielcheski Oct 8, 2010

A drunk man in an Oldsmobile They said had run the light That caused the six-car pileup On 109 that night. When broken bodies lay about And blood was everywhere, The sirens screamed out eulogies, For death was in the air. A mother, trapped inside her car, Was heard above the noise; Her plaintive plea near split the air: Oh, God, please spare my boys! She fought to loose her pinned hands; She struggled to get free, But mangled metal held her fast In grim captivity. Her frightened eyes then focused On where the back seat once had been, But all she saw was broken glass and Two children's seats crushed in.. Her twins were nowhere to be seen; She did not hear them cry, And then she prayed they'd been thrown free, Oh, God, don't let them die! Then firemen came and cut her loose, But when they searched the back, They found therein no little boys, But the seat belts were intact. They thought the woman had gone mad And was traveling alone, But when they turned to question her, They discovered she was gone. Policemen saw her running wild And screaming above the noise In beseeching supplication, Please help me find my boys! They're four years old and wear blue shirts; Their jeans are blue to match. One cop spoke up, They're in my car, And they don't have a scratch. They said their daddy put them there And gave them each a cone, Then told them both to wait for Mom To come and take them home. I've searched the area high and low, But I can't find their dad. He must have fled the scene, I guess, and that is very bad. The mother hugged the twins and said, While wiping at a tear, He could not flee the scene, you see, For he's been dead a year. The cop just looked confused and asked, Now, how can that be true? The boys said, Mommy, Daddy came And left a kiss for you. He told us not to worry And that you would be all right, And then he put us in this car with The pretty, flashing light. We wanted him to stay with us, Because we miss him so, But Mommy, he just hugged us tight And said he had to go. He said someday we'd understand And told us not to fuss, And he said to tell you, Mommy, He's watching over us. The mother knew without a doubt That what they spoke was true, For she recalled their dad's last words, I will watch over you. The firemen's notes could not explain The twisted, mangled car, And how the three of them escaped Without a single scar. But on the cop's report was scribed, In print so very fine, An angel walked the beat tonight on Highway 109. He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare. This morning when the Lord opened a window to Heaven, He saw me, and he asked: 'My child, what is your greatest wish for today?' I responded: 'Lord please, take care of the person who is reading this message, their family and their special friends. They deserve it and I love them very much. ' Unknown Sep 20, 2010

Destanee Arlene Little was a beautiful person with a warm heart and a great personality...her life was taken by a drunk driver on June 12, 2010. He chose to not only drive drunk but drive with a suspended license for a previous drunk driving charge. Because of criminals like him, good people die, but because of the wonderful person Destanee was her memory will live on even though she is gone. I love you so much Destanee and I miss you. megan boswell Jul 21, 2010

Destanee Arlene Little was a beautiful person with a warm heart and a great personality...her life was taken by a drunk driver on June 12, 2010. He chose to not only drive drunk but drive with a suspended license for a previous drunk driving charge. Because of criminals like him, good people die, but because of the wonderful person Destanee was her memory will live on even though she is gone. I love you so much Destanee and I miss you. megan boswell Jul 21, 2010

I was involved in an everyfifteen minutes program with my high school. i just wanted to thank everyone who helped put it all together because it changed my life. before this program came to my school i drank and partied every night. since that day i was shown what kind of effect it could have made on someones life. a week before the program was saposed to happen me and three other friends who just so happened to be in the program also where involved in a roll over accident. it wasnt a drunk driving accident but we where out goofing off and rolled in the desert. not one of us got hurt because we where all wearing our seat belts. i had whiplash and i cracked my head on the windshield. but the worst part of it all was that literally a halfhour before my mom got the call that her daughter had been in an accident she had just finshed up writting my obituary for the every 15 minute program.i went back to school and the next thursday my mom had to watch as i was pronounched dead on arrival and my father identified my body. the day after that we held a funeral for two others and i. and my poor mom had to read that obituary in front of the hole student boby. There wasnt a dry eye in the house. Ive renounced my stupid days and since then have focused my attention on creating a better relationship with my parents, realizing just how much they cared.This program changed so much for me and saved my life? Kodi Frodin Jul 14, 2010

thank you Joselyn Guadarrama Jun 20, 2010

Today "Every 15 Minutes" was shown during an assembly and all of the living dead students spoke about their experiences and what they would tell their parents. I looked into the stands of our students and peers and we saw tears from everyone, people you wouldn't even expect to see tears from. Their speeches, the guest speaker, all the emotion, in one room. It was unbelievable. Every 15 Minutes really put an impact on a lot of our students, and I hope people start making the correct decisions. Every little choice you make is crucial and that is what I got out of this. As my close family friend had passed last week, life is precious, and it really can be taken from you within a blink of an eye. Every 15 Minutes was a great way of spreading the word and it really taught and showed how it really felt to not have your friend walk to class anymore with you or be able to talk or text them anymore. Everything changes, and not only to me, but for everyone at our school, it got to us. NHS Jun 4, 2010

My older cousin in georgia was on the way back from a soccer game when he was hit by a drunk driver and flew from the car and it had rolled over him he died a few hours later at the hospital his name was Jason.:( Jeremy Reavy Jun 3, 2010

I had the privilege of working on the South Anchorage High school EFM program that took place on April 14-15 in Anchorage, AK. To anyone that has ever thought of putting on an Every 15 Minutes program- do it. It is worth every ounce of yourself that you put into the program, the end result has such a tremendous impact. While planning this event, I knew it would be exciting but I had no idea it would be as emotional as it was- seeing my classmates die on the hood of a car and in the hospital. seeing the coffins brought in. seeing the parents reactions to their child's death. seeing all the EMT's and the jaws of life being used on my friends. seeing the car covered in flowers when it was all over. Words can't capture how big of an impact the program has and how much it unites those involved. Please keep spreading the word of this program-- it is the only way to truly make the youth understand the consequences of driving under the influence. And lastly thank you to everyone that participated in the South High program- all the student, parent, and staff volunteers and actors were incredible and made the program the absolute best it could be to make the biggest impact on our student body- you all made a genuine different. Sam McNelly Jun 3, 2010

This was a experinece for me my cousin died of a drunk driver who had killed her and the two assemblys were really speaking to me i will never drink and drive and make the choice of what my cousin had to through thank you for those last two days a week ago. Jillyn Wagner May 26, 2010

We just spent the last two days on an amazing emotional roller-coaster with our family and other Lompoc High School families, thanks to the CHP Every 15 Minutes Program. And truly, we mean thanks, from the bottom of our hearts. Thanks LHS, the school district, VAFB, Paul Bommersbach, Tony Durham, Lompoc Kiwanis, Lompoc Foursquare Church, Big E Produce, Marriott Santa Ynez Valley and all the numerous agencies, businesses, individuals, school staff and others who give of their time and resources to make this program possible. And thanks to the student participants and the whole LHS student body, who showed nothing but the utmost class we have come to know, cherish and expect from the Braves student body. These students, adults and organizations are so what’s right with our world. One life would be worth doing this for, and yet I know it’s hundreds, if not thousands, that truly are saved. Dan and Liz Powell Dan Powell May 24, 2010

I just wanted to extend my sincere thanks to Tony Durham, Paul Bommersbach, Officer Clifford Powers, and all the volunteers and sponsors of the Every 15 Minutes Program. My son, Dalton Chambers, and our family had the opportunity to participate this year, and it was one of the most extraordinary experiences I think we will ever endure. The commitment of this community was refreshing. I hope all the sponsors realize their overwhelming support for this program changed so many of our youth and adult lives forever in a very positive manner. I would like thank Juanita Howell, one of the strongest mothers I have ever met. Her strength and courage during the program was inspirational and very moving. I would like to thank the Lompoc Record for its coverage of this program. It is something I will be thankful for and remember forever. Kim Chambers Lompoc Kim Chamber May 24, 2010

Today my high school is participating in the "Every 15 Minutes" challenge. Everyone around me is dead. I'm alive. It makes me think, "Why me?" All my friends can't talk to me. I can't even tell who is who with the "Grim Reaper" outfits and face paint. The girl next to me is writing a letter to her parents telling how much she loves them and what she never got to say before she "died." I cannot fathom the broken hearts that are a result from alcohol related collisions. This program saves lives. Thank you. I won't waste this second chance. Vancouver, VA Siarra Spruill May 24, 2010

Our son just participated in Every 15 Minutes program last week at Granada High in Livermore. He was one of the living dead. We feel so privileged that we as a family were part of this wonderful program. He learned so much during the student retreat that really helped bring home the message not to drink and drive. My husband and I really appreciated the information and speakers that we heard from at the parent retreat as well. While it was emotionally one of the hardest things we have gone through as parents it is so worth it if one student, including our own son never gets in the car with someone who has been drinking. And that he never himself drinks and drives. Thank goodness for this program and all the public servants that give of their time to help keep us all safe. Erin Van Schaack May 23, 2010

PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROGRAM WAS A GREAT THING, IT WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER, IT HAD SO MUCH FUN EVEN THOUGHT WE CRIED MOST OF THE TIME. IT WAS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE IT OPEN MY EYES AND IT MADE ME CHANGE THE I SEE THINGS. IT TAUGHT ME NOT TO TAKE ANYONE FOR GRANTED KUS WE NEVER KNO WEN ITS GONNA BE DA LAST DAY U SEE DEM,YOU GOTTA TELL DEM YU LOVE DEM EVERYDAY AND SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YU CARE CUZ YU KNO ITS TRUE WUT DEY SAY YU NEVER KNO WUT YU GOT TILL IS GONE. APPRECIATE EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING YU GOT IN LIFE BECAUSE YU NEVER REALLY GET A SECOND CHANCE!!!!SEEN MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY'S REACTION WEN THEY SAW ME "DEATH" WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS I EVER HAD TO DO BUT IN A WAY IT MADE ME FEEL SO SPECIAL AND LOVED KUS I GOT TO SEE HOW MUCH DEY REALLY CARE!!!!!! TRACY N WES THANK YU BOTH SO MUCH FOR LETTING ME PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM YU GUYS REALLY CHANGE MY LIFE!!!!THANKS TO EVERYBODY DAT PARTICIPATE ALL THE LPD,LFPD, MIKE,SANCHEZ,CINDY,YOLANDA, THANKS TO EVERYONE!!!!KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK N KEEP DIS PROGRAM GOIN BECAUSE YU GUYS REALLY DO SAFE THOUSANDS OF LIFES EVERYDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THANKS MUCH LOVE N RESPECT-CELIA TELLEZ CEliA tEllEz May 20, 2010

Today, Grace Davis High School saw 25 seniors 'killed' as a result of alcohol related events. I am faculty, but also happen to be the Trauma Nurse who cared for the 'victims' in the hospital. Reality, folks, is what the program is about. Our students experienced it first hand. Stanislaus County CHP and Memorial Medical Center have been collaborating for 11 years in this program. And I'm proud. Tom Nipper May 20, 2010

The Two assemblys were intense they really hit me. It helped me understand how severe the consequences are and how it affects you and everyone around you. I hope none of this every happens to any of my class mates or to anyone I know. Levi Lozano May 20, 2010

Today the program finished at Granada High School, where i am a senior. I was very impressed with it. Not because it illuminated me to the dangers of drunk driving, although i did learn a few things such as the sheer length of time needed to respond to a crash. What struck home for me, what i think was the crucial part, was the testimony of a young 23 year-old who just like me, attended Granada. He also thought that nothing like that could ever happen to him. but it did. Hearing his story was probably the best part of the program. it helps to shatter the illusion that this could never happen, one that many young adults share. Ryan Fernandes May 20, 2010

I'm really glad I was one of the seniors who chose to go to the assembly at school, even though we weren't required to stay. I didn't expect it to be so moving and emotionally compelling, and I'm glad I got to share the experience with my friends--I'll never forget this day. Thank you (: Hillary Erbert May 20, 2010

Today I watched the every 15 minutes video for Livermore-Granada high school and it was amazing. I have never been so touched or moved by something before. This video and assembly was life changing for me and i will never drink and drive. Just to think that one of my close friends could have possibly died from a drunk driving crash breaks my heart. This video has enlightened me and has brought a new meaning to drunk driving for me. Lina May 19, 2010

When I was in eighth grade, my family became victim to drunk driving. My grandfather was hit by a drunk driver while biking to Church. Unfortunately, he was not wearing his helmet. When he arrived at the hospital, he was declared brain dead, and was not able to be saved. He had put on life support just long enough for family in the current area to come and say good-bye. When my mother and myself arrived, we said our good-byes, and I had to leave the room while the doctors took him off life support. Four days later, I was one of six pallbearers that took him to the grave he now lays in. The driver only received nine to eleven months on a DUI charge, and had his drivers license suspended. Many say he was not given more time for a Vehicular Manslaughter charge because he had seemed "truly remorseful" for what he had done. My mother and grandmother had even agreed with this. I understand my grandfather would also have wanted him to serve a lot of time if he had been truly sorry, but I do not agree with this punishment. I lost my grandfather to this man because this man had made a bad choice. A choice to drink and drive. My grandparents had just celebrated their 50th anniversary. I miss my grandfather dearly. Livermore, CA William Weimar May 19, 2010

Today was the presentation of Every 15 Minutes at our school. At the mock car crash I thought it was sad but I felt no other emotion, once I saw the video and heard the letters the kids wrote to their family and what the parents wrote to there kids I was crying. I started to remember events that I had forgotten that have happened to my family and it hit me. I can barely drive when I have a headache so I hope that if I am ever in the position of making a decision to drive under the influence that I make the right decision and don't drive. Susi Rios May 19, 2010

Dear Every 15 Minutes, Every 15 minutes ended today and I thought I would share my thoughts with you. I'm a junior at Granada High in leadership, but I would like to keep my identity anonymous, seeing as I'm a big fan of super heroes. The mock crash was nuts, thats all I'm saying. Single-handedly the most believable and well done thing I've ever seen! But from when we starting walking to our busses, it went downhill. The Grim Reaper was the ridiculous. He took away most seriousness from the program. Especially when he spoke. The "Living Dead Students" and him go hand in hand. If they did their job they would possibly be more effective. But these students sure talk a lot for being dead. Most people knew who was going to die and what happened before the mock collision. And when students would pester them, it would not take long for them to crack. In fact, The Living Dead seemed completely pointless, only adding cheap thrills and gossip to our day. The program would be much more impacting if you just focused mainly on the mock crash victims, because you actually see that happen, and not just proclaiming that random people (mainly the popular kids) dead to berate the point. Maybe making and announcement about their deaths or doing more to just focus on them. Making it realistic. The fact that after every block you would hear "Oh my god! Did you hear that Caitlyn died!?" made it seem stupid and immature, like she got asked to Senior Ball by The Grim Reaper in some really cute way, but no one even knew they had feeling for each other. The rally had it's ups and downs as well. Again, the Grim Reaper made me feel like I was in a cheap haunted house. Even the logo for the program is laughable. And again, his voice! It kills me. It started off with the video. I'm in GHS video productions and from watching that video, it made the rally as a whole feel extremely unprofessional. From the acting, to the filming, to the story and especially to the editing, it was the epitome of cheese. Why all the country music? Why? That was the single most distracting thing in the whole video. And I understand that you had to edit everything in the mock crash in one day. But it somehow looked the same as every other part of the video, which could have looked REALLY good if the proper time and effort were put into it! That aside, the rally was quite moving. It felt like the guest speaker was talking to you. That was the most emotionally tugging speech I have ever heard. And the before and after shots of the victims. Wow. If I was ever going to even consider drinking and driving before, those thoughts are long gone. To think that I could do that to someone's life due to my poor choices was frightening. 10x scarier than The Grim Reaper. Honestly, if Every 15 Minutes was just that speech, you still would have changed my way of thinking. The video and the mock crash, that's all fake. But to hear it from someone who has experienced it first hand sent chills down my spine. Back to The Living Dead. When I heard that the police was notifying the parents about the deaths of their children, I was scared to go to the rally. I thought for sure that they would videotape the parents reactions and show them. Just the thought of that scared me. Seeing some of the people that I have the most respect for being told their child is dead? I was sure that I was going to cry the whole time in front of everybody! In fact the whole rally I was waiting for them to start showing that. But it never happened. The parents and children only read letters to each other. And only two did. BUT watching Mr. Hahn, one of the most amazing people I have known, and someone who's respect I hold higher than most others, break down in front of the school and sob, was heart wrenching and tear jerking. Needless to say, I bawled. But in the end, after all of the bad mouthing I've done. I loved it. Drinking and driving is extremely serious and needs to be prevented. If the theatrics and video are the only way to get the message to people my age, then it's worth it. Way better than nothing. Did I mention that the mock crash was insane? Because it was. I felt like I was watching a show in universal studios. Except a really sad and depressing one in which people I know and love die. I think the thing that bothers me the most about this whole program is it's necessity to exist. It scares me that people my age can't grasp that drinking and driving is a horrible thing. It scares me that it takes something of this magnitude to convince people that. And it scares me that even after this, it will continue. Thank you for listen, Granada Student Granada High Student May 19, 2010

I am so grateful my son was chosen to participate in the Every15minutes project...I just wish all Juniors and Seniors could have attended the retreat. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the project what it was that day. Until you experience the events, you can't even imagine how greatly it would affect you. Although it was a huge undertaking, it still felt very personal and my family and I will never forget it. Most importantly, my son said to me the other day that it was an experience he'll never forget..and that's what it's all about.Although the accident wasn't real, the speakers and emotions certainly were. From a parents perspective, my mind went where no parents mind ever wants to go - thinking about your child dying. We will never stop teaching about good choices because we never want to be one of those parents talking about a deceased child to a room full of teenagers. I felt the Speakers pain the minute they walked into the room to address us, and we are truly thankful they have the strength to share their stories and teach us from experience. Bethlehem, PA Diana DiStefano May 18, 2010

I just saw 3 clips from Every 15.com and i was so changed and moved by this, i took it in being in both presepctives the victim and the drunk driver. i believe tha no one could live with the fact of killing someone all becasue they wanted to drink. peer pressure can make it even worse when you put those two together, it doesnt come out the way you want it to. i know penlty of friends who say that " when i drink i never drive im not that stupid" what there not realizing is that your still not making a good choice even with drinking. i lost my best friend all because she wanted to be the life of the party and fell in to the peer pressure i will never forget the day she told me " that i can take care of my self, and ill be safe i promise." i knew that something bad was going to happen i just didnt think she would die. seeing that happen i made sure that no matter what that ill alwasy be the desinated driver and never to do drunk driving or even careless driving. i do it for every one and my best friend who i lost for that one drink. Eagan, MN Myiesha May 13, 2010

Today Nazareth Area High School saw an assembly by a woman from Phillipsburg, NJ about her 16 year old son who died as the result of a drunk driver. I just want to say that besides being very sorry for the loss of Rob to everyone, I and the group who prays every morning in the LGI lobby before school will be praying for her other son, Matt. All of your struggles can't be wiped away, but coping skills are different for everyone and not always positive. We'll be praying for your entire family but especially for Matt. Thank you again for sharing your story today. I know you saved lives in this school today. Nazareth, PA Rachael McDonald May 11, 2010

I remember seeing this when I was in High School. I went to Orange High in Orange, CA. A few of my friends were in this program and ever since watching this, I have never gotten in the car after drinking. I hope that they still have this program when my children are in high school. Thank you so much for making this program and making sure that its not just adults that need to know the consequences of drinking and driving, our teens need to know and understand as well. Fullerton, CA Amber Jacobsen May 8, 2010

This program is so amazing. I am in the EMT program that Hobart High School has and I was able to act as an actual EMT in this program. I was taking care of a baby and a mom who had rear ended the drunk driver because the drunk driver ran into an innocent car. It was just an amazing feeling to know that the baby and mom and everyone in the program was actually all perfectly fine. Its sad to know that what we had to "fake" doing actually happens everyday. The dead girl had parts of her brain on the road from bouncing out of the car. There was hair stuck in the wind shield to represent her getting thrown out. Its a very sad thing and I hope it changed alot of peoples minds about certain things. This is not only representing drinking and driving, but also texting, listening to music too loud, or just not paying attention. My teacher said, "If this program at least helps one person, then the whole program is successful. Hobart, IN Amanda Elkins May 8, 2010

Dear Every 15 minutes thankyou for putting this on at schools it shows the effects it has on kids and that kids need to aware of the consequences of being drunk and then driving. thankyou for putting it on at my high school i was also there when they had it. i hope it has changed many lives and i hope we can save more this year. thank you again. god bless you! laura davison May 8, 2010

Today i had the chance to experience what it would be like to lose a friend that i really cared about. I really didnt know to many people in the Every 15 Minutes program, but I knew Latoya Strickland. If i was to lose her to a drunk driving car accident i would really be hurt. This made me realize how important my family and friends are to me. Tomorrow isn't promised, so live today as if its your last day to live. Drinking and drving is a bad decision to make you can hurt yourself and or someone else. It's not worth it. Think before you drink! Freedom High School, Bethlehem/Easton, pa Angel Dent May 7, 2010

Our school did this on May 5, 2010, and I swear, I was expecting the police to back us up from the scene at any minute. I felt like I shouldn't be there just standing... but ratehr I should be there helping. This program is amazing. Though some poeple in my school saw it purely as an escape from the regular class routine, I soaked it in like a sponge. They made it al so... real. It was incredble. Every school across the country, no, the WORLD should et at least one chance to experience this program. Hobart, IN Zoe Kietzman May 7, 2010

today and yesterday "every 15 minutes" came to my school in Whittier CA. this was so Emotional for me!! unfortunatly i was not able to participate, this had such a BIG effect on me! Every student at my school that was involved was my friend!! it was heartbreaking to have my friends right next to me but i was unable to interact with them, they were like ghosts. i felt the pain of my friends being gone. i had to witness three of my friends taken in class. once i walked out and seen the crash, i broke down in tears!! My friend was laying on the ground all bloody and thrown out of the overturned car. Another one of my friends was on top of the other car and she was dead. Two other friends were stuck in the car. All the real police cars, firetrucks, paremedics, the helicopter. everythingg was SOO REAL TO ME!! then today was the funeral, i didnt think i was gonna cry as much as i did, but boy did i cry! seeing my friends come in and reunite with their parents was a relief! hearing my friends read there letters and to hear the lessons they learned was AMAZING But once the speaker went up and told us his story i was gone... ive never criedd that much! Thank you sooooo much for coming to my school. i hope it affected everyone like it affecred me! Whittier, CA Cassondra Hawthorne May 6, 2010

Wow, what a powerful, emotional, life-changing event!! The Every 15 minutes program affected every student, teacher, prinipal and parent who were privileged enough to be witnesses to the realistic crash, the emotion filled retreat and the "funeral" service the following morning. There are no words in the English language that can justly describe how thankful we are that our son was picked to participate. We also participated in the parent retreat and we were asked to read our letter to our "dead son." Again, such an overwhelmingly difficult yet so desperately needed experience. I read the letter to the audience of students and adults, and I could see how much they were affected by this experience. I hope that everyone who was there now realizes how one bad choice can change so many lives in an instant and it CAN happen to them. Thank you to this wonderful program, Officer Dean Wilson, and the countless unsung heroes who not only prepared the program, but who deal with this and take care of us every 15 minutes of every day. Thank you form the bottom of our hearts. We will be forever grateful. Freedom High School, Bethlehem, PA Bud, Sharon, Keith and Katie Ward May 6, 2010

Every 15 minutes changed my life. I never expected to be this impacted by this program. I watched the program during my sophmore year, and sang at the funeral. It was sad, but after the day was over and the tears had dried, I forgot all about it. Then in my senior year of high school I got to participate in the program. I'm not an emotional person, but during the retreat and the funeral I cried so much that I knew I would never be the same. I don't drink, and I certainly don't drink and drive, but Every 15 Mins made me realize because of other people's decisions, I too could be killed. This was a great bonding experience and I wouldn't change my decision to do this program for anything. Thanks so much to Officer Dean Wilson for making this all possible! And saying thank you cannot even come close to what I'd like to say to the speakers (victim's families, as well as students and parents who shared). Bethlehem, PA Carolanne Monteleone May 6, 2010

I am a senior at Freedom High School in Bethlehem and i got to experience and be a part of every 15 minutes just this past week. The one thing that hit me really hard was seeing all my fellow students that went on the retreat with me completely break down. At first i didnt think they would they act all tough and show no emotion at school. Once certain people got the chance to open up and express themselves everyone lost it. I believe that from this experience and i can speak for everyone else that it did hit us all really hard and made us think that at anytime it could happen to us we could be dead. Im am so grateful to have gotten the chance to be a part of every 15 minutes. it made me become closer with my family and also made me think to not take life for granted sometimes you only get a second chance once or not at all. Bethlehem, PA Rebecca Jarrell May 6, 2010

I was involved in 2008 program in Laka Arthur, New Mexico. It made the biggest inpact on our small community that there was no prom after party! Before this program, everyone I knew was drinking and driving every chance they got. I suppose they thought it was cool? Afterwards, there has not been one person drive when impaired. Not even one person! Our auditorium was completly full of not only students and teachers, but parents and family members when we came back from the worst experiences! Our school used more than 200 boxes of Kleanex`s! It has been a tremendous influance in my life. My mother signed me up and for that I thank her ever day that I think about making a bad decision! Thank You Lupe Fuentes for being there! I have stayed in contact with every participant in my program every since APRIL 17-19th 2008!!!! I have one question though, would it be possible to bring the Every 15 Minutes program to Carlsbad, New Mexico? They need it! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! Chelsea McHenry Chelsea McHenry May 6, 2010

I have been involved in the E15 program for years now and what a miracle it is! When we were younger, my husband tragically drove drunk and killed two of his friends. For us to see this HUGE attempt at changing the norm for our youth, we feel so much warmth. Ricky has worked with E15 and has been a guest speaker in previous years and is doing the one this year at Sonora High School. Any way he can help or open those eyes of the nonbelievers out there, he would. What a story he has to tell... Again, great program and we pray that it changes the outlook teens have on drinking and driving! Corinne May 6, 2010

Today I saw the Every 15 Minutes crash performed by Hobart High School's Theater group. It was gruesome and made me value my friends who were involved in the "crash." In addition to students, a teacher and her 6-month-old son were involved. I saw my friend's mother screaming because he was hurt. I saw a lot of people in the audience cry when a girl was zipped up into a body bag and taken by the coroner's van. With prom season very nearby, I hope nobody actually gets into this kind of situation. I wish it would never, ever happen. Hobart, IN Gracie May 5, 2010

First off, Thank you for coming out to FHS and giving the junior/senior class a chance to participate in something so great. This program made a big impact in my life and others at FHS as well. I had the opportunity to act the role to drive the victimized vehicle and as a result of being hit by a drunk driver I was paralyzed waist down for life. This program was a huge reality check for me I'm glad I had this wonderful experience during my senior year right before I go off to college. Thank You Officer Dean Wilson and the Every 15 Minutes organization..Class of 2010 Easton, PA Latoya Strickland May 5, 2010

Today the every 15 min program. Came to my school it didn't touch me at all until I saw the funeral when I heard fellow students and there parents speak it hit me broke into tears and also made me rember my good friend mike cummin and Amanda shultz who were both killed by a drunk driver but would I WANs put my life or someone else life in my hand by making a dumb choice do I wana put my love ones at the choice where they have to come and idenfy my body I just say never do anything that put u or anyone at Rick of death and especially when u can control ur actions please don't drink and drive I stand by this so much thank u so much fir this program it should go on ever year. Bethlehem, Pa Joshua dejesus(senior at freedom) May 5, 2010

i wanna say thank you so much for coming to Grossmont high school! you have made alot of kids think twice about drinking and driving, the every 15 minute program is amazing! the car crash and funeral had a huge impact at Grossmont high school and i speak for us all at our school that this program made a difference in peoples life:) and we thank you sooooo much! jasmine philipp May 3, 2010

I watched the video of my brother. He was the drunk driver in the renactment it made me cry. If i could i would like that video. It was at Strasburg HIgh School in Strasburg, colorado. Strasburg, CO Heather SPencer May 2, 2010

Yesterday and the day before Every 15 minutes came to Palisades High. i was in the passenger seat of the drunk driving car. it was one of the most traumatic, yet fulfilling experiences of my life. i was "paralyzed". i will never take what i have for granted again. EFM truly changed my school, the community, and my life Lauren Gustafson Apr 30, 2010

I would like to start of by saying thank you for coming to my school. You made a huge impact on Grossmont High and I will never be the same careless person again. Not only did this knowledge change my life, but it has put me in a position to where i feel i need to do more to spread the knowledge to others, under aged or not. I cant explain how this program has made me feel but I can say that i am a new person after seeing everything that could potentially happen to me, that happens to people every 15 minutes. Ashley Gyger Apr 30, 2010

I am a student at Twin Lakes High School which participated in the program yesterday and today. I can't even put into words how much this effected me. To see my classmates, some I've known since preschool, being pulled lifeless from a destroyed vehicle was something that I will never forget. Hearing their stories at the assembly today and seeing how much their families, friends and themselves were effected by this just really got to me. To witness and entire auditorium of teenagers silenced and teary eyed was just unreal. Throughout the entire day everybody was hugging everybody and I actually heard one group of students cancelling their plans for a party after prom and replacing it with bowling. Just life changing. Every 15 minutes is an overwhelmingly powerful presentation and I'm so grateful to have experienced it. Monticello, IN Brianna Apr 30, 2010

I really appreciated hearing my teen tell me about this event at her school yesterday...Good for all of you for being out there and teaching this!! God Bless!! ...Great Program!! Sandy, OR neeto Apr 30, 2010

My son participated in the program at Bishop Gorman High School on March 25th and 26th 2010. I was amazed how quiet it got when the paramedics placed the body of one of the student actors on a stretcher and covered her with a white cloth. You could here a pin drop. Over 1200 students and nothing but silence. I think it made quiet an impact. As a parent it really hit home when my wife and myself went to the parents retreat. When we arrived we were escorted to the schools chapel where 12 easel's holding the pictures and obituaries of the "living dead" were placed. Had to hold back the tears when I saw my son's face up their. Very powerful program for the students but a great lesson for parents as well. Keep the communication lines open between you and your kids!! Thanks again for an awesome event. Dr. Gary DiRisio, BGHS, Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Gary DiRisio Apr 30, 2010

Today i saw everyone wearing the black robes and walking around...dead. It really got me thinking, what if that was a family member of mine, my best friend, maybe even me? it impacted upon me because i know what it's like to lose i friend from drunk driving, and i think this should be taken as a major matter. My schoool decided to participate in this evnt to show everyone what it's like, and frankly, i think a lot of kids were getting the big picture here. I support this 100% and i hope that i'll never have to go through something as horrible as losing a friend, or even losing my life over drunk driving. Sandy, OR Chelsie Apr 29, 2010

Every 15 minutes came to my school on April 13, 2010. They came along with OTS, MADD, and several CHP officers. The entire day was life changing. Friends I knew "died", and not having them there really did hit me. The skit was so real and I thought to myself, this can happen to me or someone I know anytime. This program really opened our eyes to the dangers of under age drinking and drunk driving. I'm glad to say that we had our prom this past saturday, and everyone passed the breathalyzer test. I'm veyr sure that it was because of that life changing day April 13, 2010. Sabrina Salazar Apr 29, 2010

Hi. I just participated in the program at Sherwood High School. I was one of the "Living Dead" students. The whole program was so emotional, I don't think there was a single dry eye at the end of the assembly yesterday. It was so powerful, to both the students participating and those who didn't. I had strangers coming up to me after the assembly, crying and hugging me, thanking me for being involved, and telling me how much it meant to them. Thank you so much for bringing this program to our school! Olney, MD Hannah Marquis Apr 28, 2010

Thank you for this wonderful program. I've heard about this program about 6 years ago when a friend's son had this at their school down in El Toro, CA. This will help teens open their eyes. I hope that this will help parents plan their child(rens) weddings and not their funerals! Great job. keep it up. Beverly Hills, CA Tami Hassenfratz Apr 28, 2010

The 15 minutes program came to my school and I don't know if it's the people they picked but everyone was in shock of everything. Especially since the people that helped were the most charasmatic and the type that made the school feel like home. Thanks a lot Mystery Apr 27, 2010

hi im so glad u guys have this program. i was in a drunk driver accident , they say im lucky to be walking . i was trapped in the car, my friend was sober but the other guy who hit us was drunk. He took his life and he also took my best friends life. im 15 years old and i wish this never happened and he knew the outcome of drunk driving becuse it may have saved his life and my friends. I wish You guys the best of luckk and i kno you will change a life , thank u ! R.I.P Lacey Lisa marie Knight Apr 24, 2010

you guys changed my life forever. thanks to chris stevens, angel arceo, and brian marse. you guys are amazing. Jack McHugh Apr 24, 2010

Today and yesterday every 15 minutes came to my school St. Mary's High School and it really had and impact on my friends and I it was so sad I cried I hope that doesn't happen to my friends or me. Save a life don't drink and drive. Stockton, Ca Marisa Escobar Apr 23, 2010

Our High School presented the "Every 15 Minutes" program yesterday and today. Tonight, my son's facebook status for all of his friends to read said "every 15 minutes, that means our school would be completely wiped out in 5 days". What an eye opening statement coming from a 15 year old because of the important message and powerful delivery! Thank you! Spencer, IA Jessica Ranslow Apr 23, 2010

Today i attended my daughters mock funeral at St. Paul High School. She was one of the fortunate students that were an important part of your program. I am sure it has touched the hearts of many students here. i would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for having this program for teens. I was especially touched by the guest speaker Jason for sharing his story with us. I only hope that some day your program will be in all high schools. Yvette Corona Apr 23, 2010

I remember when I was in high school they did this program I think it was when I was in 10th (2000-2001) or 11th grade(2001-2002). I remember I was sitting in english class and the person dress as the grim reaper came in and took one of the girls in my class who participated in it and then a cop came in and told us how she died. then during my tech ed class they came over the speaker an announced the crash they were staging in front of the school. It was scary though. I read in the paper this morning that my high school is doing it again next week. Olney, MD Rachel Apr 22, 2010

Hello i'm veronica Every 15 min. came to my school. yesterday. unfortunantly i wasn't able to participate but i did have the privilige to join the action online. school participates that i know of were friends, some of there are really close to i even had my cousin die..it really touched me because i actually felt like everything was happening for real i really got touched and hurt. every 15 min. is something that i will support forever Veronica Rodriguez Apr 21, 2010

The every 15 minutes program came to my school yesterday and today! this really did hit alot of people, i was crying and alot of other kids at my school did too! i wanted to say thank you for coming to centennial high school and showing us how this can happen to anyone and how preventable it really actually is. i really do hope that kids will reallly think about this program and it opens kids eyes when they make that decision to drink and drive! thank you! Las Vegas, NV centennial H.S student. las veges, nv Apr 16, 2010

Hi i think this is a wonderful program because it will help teens think before they drink and drive I'm 18 years old and I"m glad that there is a program like this i love this program. Tuson, AZ Gabrieelle Castillo Apr 15, 2010

I just saw day one of the program at my childrens high school, Linden High in Linden Ca. I want to say Thank's! very powerful! I hope that it gets the lesson across to the kids about drinking and driving. The part that really got to me was at the end when the sheriff explained how fast word gets around and with in an hour the dead students phone was ringing and just kept ringing. This was how the ended the program. Again, very powerful! Kevin Kidd Apr 15, 2010

We just had the Every 15 Minutes Program at my school this past week and it has been the most emotional thing I have ever had to go through. Some of my friends hypothetically died and I literally could not handle it. Having to watch them get their lives taken was just like..wow! One of my best friends died because of his dad who was drunk. And this was just last week. And then watching the accident was like watching his accident. It was just horrifying. But I am glad that this program was even created because it left a huge impact on me and my friends. Strasburg, CO Icey M. Hawley Apr 15, 2010

I have only saw one day, the assembly is tomorrow, Wow all I have to say is don't drink and drive, apparently the crowd got the message, when the Girl was put into the hearst utter silence. Manlius, NY Tim Bennett Apr 15, 2010

Hello. Want to thank you for Every 15 Minutes web site May 24-25 Riverside County, P.V.V.H.S. Palo Verde Valley H.S. Will be conducting Exercises with Local Agencies to make a video about Students who drive drunk. I would like to say that everyone who drive drunk can learn from this: Every 15 Minutes web site and Video. Every 15 Minutes Hopefully it will be a Life-Long Lesson for all of us. Frank Exercises? "What Excuses" Excuses" Frank Apr 15, 2010

My schools every 15 minutes program starts tommorow when my mother was reading the handouts she started crying just thinking about the possibiltity of it happenign for reals becuase her friends when she was younger were killed by a drunk driver i think its a good program maybe less ppl will drink and drive after the program ends Whitewater, Ca melissa Hiebert Apr 14, 2010

I am a new jersey EMT, as well as a teenager. Recently my squad was asked to take part in the Every 15 Minute even at High Point High school. I have had to deal with this in real life before and i truly wanted to show the my town and my peers what can happen if you drink and drive. People came up to me afterward crying, asking me how i can keep my wits about me when things like that happen for real and my answer was because someone has to, why not it be me? It was emotionally trying for me as well even knowing what was supposed to happen, it was a shock to see my brother painted up with the rest of the victims. Thank you for helping to raise awareness. Wantage, NJ Jacqueline Hart Apr 14, 2010

Wow. What a meaningful site. My school should really have every 15 minutes come- that would really do a lot, especially since a lot of the kids in my school see m to think that Drunk Driving is not that big of a deal. Thanks for the great info, Every 15 Minutes! Shelburne, VT Katharina Thomas Apr 14, 2010

I saw you guys at my school today, and it really got me thinking... what if it were real. Ariahnah Apr 13, 2010

I am very proud to be involved with the "Every 15 Minutes" program presented by the Metropolitan Police Department. As a responder to fatal accidents and as a parent, I am grateful for the program. Las Vegas, NV Dwayne Wilson (Las Vegas United REACT Apr 13, 2010

My daughter Ariel seen your program at her school on April 7-8 at Silverado High. She came home telling me yours story that I was getting chils and crying my head off. she printed out the contracts and will be handing them out to all her family memebers. I just want to thank you for teaching this children in high school that it can happen to anyone. thanks again, Juana Beltran Juana Beltran Apr 12, 2010

As a coroner's assistant for whom traffic accidents make up the vast majority of her work, I must say that this program was very powerful. Of course, seeing the true results of drunk driving is far more powerful, by the time there are results, it's too late for someone's child, someone's friend, someone's mentor. As fake as the deaths are in the Every Fifteen Minutes simulation, the emotions behind them are not. And that makes all the difference. San Jose, CA Rose Silvers Apr 11, 2010

Every time I go out drinking, I refuse to go home with someone drunk. Because of this program I really feel the need to say it. I still would have without this. This program hit my senior class hard. 2 years later, I still tear up thinking about how hard this hit my senior class. Mattapoisett, MA anonymous Apr 9, 2010

I am Morgan Giorgi, and i was involved in the Every 15 Minutes at my school, which was on April 6th and 7th, 2010. I was "drinking" with my friend at the lake and did not put my seat belt on in the car, and in the crash i flew through the windshild and was half on the dash and in the car. I was the one the one dead at the scene. But being able to experience all this really made me think about how real it actually is. How someones life can be taken away so fast. I really hope it shows the students at my school a lesson on how bad it is to drink and drive. Because i sure know now that i will never ever get in the car with someone who has been drinking. I am thankful that i was able to experience this. Morgan Giorgi Apr 9, 2010

Every 15 Minutes just came to my school today (April 8, 2010) and we have the second part yet to come tomorrow. I would like to say thank you so much for giving my peers the opportunity to see the effects of drunk driving. I've never had a personal experience with a drunk driving accident but I've been effected greatly by this amazing program nonetheless. I'm not even sure what else to say because I'm still a bit shaken by the experience. Once again, thank you. Stina Trignani Apr 8, 2010

My daughter was in the every 15 minute program at our school held April 5-April 6 2010. All I can say is WOW. We are a small town, but the impact was big! I work in a hospital and I have seen more than I ever wanted to see. Accidents involving teens, adults, and the elderly. I could never say Delphi, IN beth flores Apr 6, 2010

I was involved as a parent in the every 15 minutes program. It was so powerful, emotional, and informative, if it saves one person from making bad choices, all the pain and emotions we all went through will be well worth it.. Thanks for letting me be a part of it.. Modesto, CA Lynda Lobdell Apr 2, 2010

This program had to have been one of the most important times for our senior class. We are fortunate to have been able to experience it. Thanks so much for all your work!!! James Echavarria Apr 1, 2010

I think that this mock accident that you guys take the time to do is a very good idea on helping teens understand how important this really is and its not something to play aroung with. I really take this to heart and fully because one of my favorite cousing is sitting in prison now for 6 years for drinking and driving and also because his passenger had flown out of the passenger window because they were speeding and didnt have their seat belts on. This is why i like for everyone else to understand how dangerous this really is. I thank you guys so much for doing this mock accident. Always, Brittany Strick Sussex, NJ Brittany Strick Apr 1, 2010

WOW i hope this comes to my town. Hobbs , NM Rochelle Mercer Mar 31, 2010

My high school just did the Every 15 Minutes program today and it really hit home. I was a part of the organization and alot of my close friends took part in. Sultan, WA Johanna Helm Mar 31, 2010

I'm really glad this program came to my school because it got everyones attention that it's true. People really do die in some sort of car accident, I lost someone very special to me. It effected people, now people make more good desicions, people are now thinking twice before drinking and driving and/or getting in the car with someone drinking. I just wanted to say thanks and maybe you can come again to Union Mine high school in two years instead of four, I really did did this program great. Paris Taitague Paris Taitague Mar 29, 2010

Hollywood totally butchers the act of dying ---- and the associated grieving ---- in its dumb movies and TV shows. Fake death, but far more authentic: The kids at Heritage High School in Menifee and Murrieta Valley High School last week watched death portrayed through the "Every 15 Minutes" program. The simulated teen anti-drinking and driving program is closer to real life than Hollywood's silly depictions, but the viewer in pantomime never smells the real blood or excrement, or sees the eviscerated bowel or decapitated head of the real dead and dying. Real death: In medical lingo, it's called "stertorous breathing" and "Cheyne-Stokes respirations"; the medic tries vainly to calm the drunken 16-year-old girl trapped by the collapsed steering wheel and impaled legs and feet. She gasps for breath in loud, panicky fits, her eyes wild with fear. The color drains out of her face. Suddenly, almost calm now, she looks up at the medic, perhaps clear-headed for the first moment since this accident happened. "Please," she gasps, "tell my father I'm sorry I effed up." In the cramped quarters of the smashed car, the medic supports the girl's head, and the sirens wail, announcing the arrival of the firefighters whose jaws of life will make no difference this night. As the girl dies, a last gasp. Then, another. Then ---- nothing. There is nothing you can do to save a girl physically impaled by the metal components of a car. It is a call that has remained with me 30 years. In the aftermath of the "Every 15 Minutes" simulated crash, staged on the football field of Murrieta Valley High School on Day 1 of the program, participating students and parents get a taste of grief and loss. Secluded in a local hotel, the "dead" and "injured" kids listen to guest speakers, and then write "Dear Mom and Dad" letters to their parents to say what they might say if they were really dead. Taken seriously, the exercise drives home the point. "I get it now," said Tim, who earlier lay trussed up on a backboard at Inland Valley Medical Center. "Can I get out of this head brace?" he asked, clearly uncomfortable after being confined for 45 minutes. "Not yet," he was told. "In real life, the patient stays like this a lot longer than this." Smiling, Tim said, "Yup, I get it." One great tool to make sure your kids continue to "get it" is to use a "driver contract" that outlines the terms and conditions under which your child can drive. There are several excellent templates on the Web provided free. Simply download the ones that fit your needs ---- from a short single-page agreement to a multi-page volume sure to scare any kid straight ---- and make your kids read and sign it before ever giving them a set of car keys. May you never be burdened by a child's words: "Please, tell my parents I'm sorry I effed up." ANDY McINTOSH ANDY McINTOSH Mar 29, 2010

I was so honored and thankful to be a part of this amazing program last week at my high school, Madera High. I was on staff at the student retreat with our activites director and fellow teacher. We were so amazed at the impact this program had on our students. Even though we knew the events were reenacted, seeing students pulled from car accidents made my heart cry. This program needs to be mandatory for all high schools. I would happily assist with this program every time it comes to our school. What a powerful message to send out before spring break, prom, graduation and summer. Thank you every 15 minutes. Madera, CA Lisette Lancaster Mar 27, 2010

As a student and a firefighter in training i have been greatly moved by the presentation and reenactments they did at our school. It has made me open my mond to others an has also made me think about what would happen if it was me that died or me that killed someone!! It would b such a burden for the rest of my life and i am really grateful that i am not one of those people in real life... I just thaught i would put a little student input and thank everyone that put this on at Union Mine High School!!! Awesome job guys!! Cody Dayton Mar 26, 2010

Thanks so much for coming to our school and having such an impact on all of us. We all went into this laughing, thinking it was no big deal, and by the end of the second day, most of us were in tears. Kalmina Wu Mar 25, 2010

thank you for coming to our school. i think we all learned sumthing about drunk driving and the actors were awesome as the victims. and it was my first time seeing it so it was awsome. thank you monica Mar 25, 2010

That was a big inpact on our school. it ws sad to see all those people die throughout the school day here a stephenville high school of texas. thank u for showing us what could happen!! Stephenville, Texas Steven Mar 24, 2010

That was a big inpact on our school. it ws sad to see all those people die throughout the school day here a stephenville high school of texas. thank u for showing us what could happen!! Stephenville, Texas Steven Mar 24, 2010

today, every 15 minutes came to my school for the crash part of the program, it really hit me harder than i would expect. I really think this program is highly affective and should be shown at other schools sophia Mar 23, 2010

I did Every 15 Minutes last year(2008-09). I died March 31, 2009 at 1:00pm. This was a life changing experiences for me. I am now on the staff for the program. Thank you for starting this program. Camron Bamonte Mar 23, 2010

We recently had this program visit my high school Mayfield and i have been interested in this program and decided to join it to show teens that this is not a joke that its really happening.i lost one of my good friends in a accident that a drunk driver caused and now that she's gone i've been trying to show my friends that in a blink of an eye you might not see you love ones again. This is an awesome program! Las Cruces, NM Bre Pantoja Mar 19, 2010

my school is doing the every 15 minutes program next month and i am going to be one of the "living dead" melissa hiebert Mar 19, 2010

Every15Minutes.com came to my son's high school in 2000 or 2001. I didn't know anything about it and when I picked my son up from school, he was telling me all about it and I literally started crying just hearing about it! I went home and learned about it online and I can't stress enough what a fantastic program this is! Every single high school in the country should participate in this program. It should be made available and be mandatory. It works and it opens up conversations with our teens that really need to be opened. I know my son was extremely moved by it, and even told me some of his friends (his male friends) were crying during the memorial service, even knowing it hadn't actually happened! That's compelling and that kind of impact is exactly what we need! To this day, my son always has a sober designated driver or he takes a cab. No exceptions! I commend Every15Minutes.com and thank all those who have made it possible in our schools and for our teens! Laurie H Laurie H. Mar 10, 2010

This is a great program. I've been lucky enough to play the Grim Reaper for the past 6 years at one of the local high schools and I must say, they go into this laughing and by the time it's over, most of the participants are in tears. Joe Mar 9, 2010

Thank you for coming to our school. This program has a great meaning to it and i think every school should go through this. Calicrook Mar 3, 2010

Every 15 Minutes is a life changing thing. When teens get warned as they have these MOCKS and speakers teens realize how serious they get and understand the consequences that is behind drinking and driving. I'm in a Stand Tall Don't Fall group and we tried to proposed my high school of having a Every 15 Minute MOCK scene, and the school rejected it. We tried and tried but the school just wouldn't so that was that. We still try to get the word out though with teens in our group and within the community. So thanks Every 15 Minutes your a life changing program which helps a lot. Thank You... Michael Mar 1, 2010

For my senior project 2 years ago I coordinated the every 15 Minutes program. I went back this year to speak to the high ups at the school to bring it back again. I was shocked when I was turned down. I even showed them several of the responces I have gotten over the past 2 years from the partisipants and the viewers. Fortunatly to this day my high school has not seen one death related to alcohol. However I am sad to say someone I knew from my graduating class was arrested for DUI not to long ago. Shortly after his arrest I got an e-mail from him saying that he should have paid attention more to the program that was done during his senior year and I'm sure that hes passing the word around now. Thanks E15M for making a differance in the community. Keep up the good work! - Tony, Frederick MD (completed project April 25, 2008 at Tuscarora High) Tony Feb 23, 2010

K cool program. late... Matt and Andrew Feb 18, 2010

I CAN TELL YOU AS A MEDIC IN THIS PRODUCTION IT HAS AN IMPACT ON US TOO! John Greene Feb 17, 2010

As everyone would know, drinking and driving is not a smart idea. Ive been at my county morgue and sow how many people are related in theses accidents when alcohol is involved. If they wouldn't drink and drive they wouldn't end up in the morgue. Its sad. The Every 15 minutes Program really helps teens to show what will happen to you if you drink and drive. Its horrifying for the family members to get a call from the Coroner's office or the Medical Examiners office saying there son/daughter/wife/husband ect is in the morgue. YOU CAN PREVENT THIS! Hollister, CA Milton Castelo Dec 5, 2009

If this video isn't affective for anyone that drinks and drives, I guess their life is definately in God's hands......Muskogee, OK Brenda Silkebakken Nov 19, 2009

very POWERFUL PROGRAM. I AGREE IT S/B MANDATORY FOR JR HIGH - SR HIGH. IF IT SAVES ONE CHILD IT WOULD BE WORTH IT. I HAVE BEEN TOO CLOSE TO THE REALITY OF THIS IN MY LIFE, BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD WE WERE SPARED. OUR GUARDIAN ASNGELS ARE VERY BUSY. THEY NEED ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! Spencer, Iowa THERESA WURTH Oct 19, 2009

Dear Amy, WOW!!! Thank you so much for coordinating and bringing the "Every 15 Minutes" Program to Winters Mill High School.We have never been involved in such a powerful, moving program throughout my sons' schooling. (Nor have we attended an assembly with so many well-deserved standing ovations!) If "Every 15 Minutes" helps one Falcon make a better choice or prevents one Falcon from getting hurt or saves one Falcon life, then all of the thought, time and effort was worthwhile!!! The program is promoting our students to "think" and "remember" making it even more effective. Please convey our appreciation to those emergency personnel who may have taken time away from their families to be with our children or who may have taken time off from their jobs. Lastly, thank you for bringing such a strong, meaningful message to the entire Falcon Community and for providing my son with one of the best learning experiences ever!!!!! Sincerely, Joe and Teresa McCulloh Teresa McCulloh Sep 25, 2009

Today this program came and did their presentation at my school. Wow. What an experience. It was probably the saddest day of my whole life. The parents and students took it all very seriously, and to heart. I'm so greatful that I got to see everything that I saw. Nothing can compare to "friends dying" and the hurt and pain that the parents had to go through. The thing that hit me the most, was the guest speaker. Oh my gosh. I jsut lost it. I have never cried so much in my life. I support this program 100% and I am extremely greatful that I got to experience it this year. I will never...never drink and drive. I feel very strongly that this presentation impacted a lot of the students. I hope that we all know to make the right choices, and this is something that will stay in our hearts and minds for the rest of our lives. I know that this day will be one that I remember forever. I hope that this program continues to do what they do. Thank you so much for everything that went on today. Every 15 Minutes :) Allie Horn Sep 22, 2009

Usually I leave school after an assembly and dont take to heart what I saw and heard and I thought this would be like any other of those times. It wasnt. Seeing the raw emotion displayed by both students and parents was extremely powerful and I know almost all of my peers feel the same way. I have a feeling that this will stay with me for a very long time and my heart truly goes out to those who have lost loved ones and friends to any kind of accident alcohol induced or not. Westminster, MD anonymous Sep 22, 2009

I aparticipated in the mock crash at etiwanda and it was a life changing experience. It was an emotional day for not just me but for everybody and brought me in on a new prospective in life. I would like to thank this program for changong the so many lives who were involved or witnessed it. Etiwanda jamal Sep 10, 2009

I have watched all the videos and everything and i really think that the Every 15 Minutes program is amazing. I really think that this program needs to happen at my school! Not to sure on how to go about it though. Waycross, Ga Chasity Thomas Sep 6, 2009

Being in the Every Fiteen Minutes program truly changed my life. Althought I never really drank and all during high school, this program changed me. After loosing a close friend two years prior to drunk driving, I knew that I had to do this program. My high school had a reputation you could say for parties. However, on the day this program took place... you could hear a pin drop. It was powerful. I played the role of the hospital death and was drenced in fake blood. Having to pretend I was dead and having to write a final goodbye letter to my parents hit me emotionally. It honestly took me weeks to get over it. But I am so glad I did this program. Everyone who was in it changed for the better and really truly understand the meaning of "Take away the keys". I will never ever allow anyone I know to drink and driving, because I know the messy outcomes. I urge anyone who reads these testimonals to get invovled with this program, watch our high schools video (Southwest High School) or ask your school to this program. It is truly life changing, worth-while and eye opening. Thank you Every 15 Minutes. --Jackie Erzinger Green Bay, WI Jackie Erzinger Sep 4, 2009

I was in the every 15 minute program this last year at my high school. When I first found out i was nominated for this i wasn't really intersted because of an accedent that involved a loved one.But as the director and the officer went on telling us about it all i could think about was how so many of my friends drink and how they don't realize their lives can be gone in less than a second.The first day of the actual event i could hear people laughing in the bleachers and making stupid comments. I think the hardest paert of the program was having to litterely watch your friends die. The funeral part made the most impact because the entire school got to hear our stories of our lives and pictures of our friends and families. The Thing i'll never forget about that day was the look in my best friend's eyes when we finally got to hug after the program. The only thing i remember him telling me was, "Don't you ever die again". His expression will forever remind me why i won't choose to drink and drive. Alli Forbes Aug 16, 2009

I lost my Dad to a drunk driver in March of 1980, 3 days before my 16th birthday. My life has been forever changed. I love and miss you Dad. My Dad was struck while riding his bicycle home from work on a rural road, by a Navy Chief who was on duty in his private owned vehicle. Thank God for those who saw this drunk hit my Dad and send him 100 yards into a dirt field, because he kept right on driving after the incident. The witnesses followed the drunk and stopped him so he could face the consequences for his action. He was so drunk he was unaware what he had done. He served a small 6 month sentence, on the weekends for what he did. He lost his license but was witnessed driving a Government vehicle, on the Navy Base only weeks late, under the influence again. Some people will NEVER learn, even after being responsible for the unimaginable. Oxnard, CA Jim Wilson Aug 4, 2009

This past school year I was involved in the Every 15 minutes program at my high school.(Adams City High)I was part of the walking dead, but three of my very close friends were in the mock accident. Two of them were sisters. Identical twins at that. One of them died. Watching the accident knowing that it was not real but it still had a large impact on my life. My other friend who was in the mock crash had "died" at the hospital. At the retreat getting to see everyone was a sureal feeling. There were even people there that I was not too fond of, but the program brought us all together. I am greatful because where I live drinking is considered the "cool" thing to do. Even though the kids didn't show it at first they were greatly impacted by the program. Watching my two friends be tore apart like that was the hardest thing I had to do. Right after the mock accident it was my turn to "die" Seeing my friend who was pronounced "dead at the scene" alive and walking was hard because she still had on her stage make up. I can not tell you how long we held eachother crying because of the impact that it has had on us. Even to this day after we graduated we still talk about the program and how it has taught us a valuable lesson. Life is too precious to waste. Dont drink and drive. Stephanie Marques, ACHS 2009 Stephanie Marques Jul 22, 2009

I just saw the video from Notre Dame High School. I think this program should be mandatory across the country. Woodstock, GA Jerry Driscoll Jul 17, 2009

I was a participant in my high school's(Fallbrook Union High School) Every 15 Minutes program this past April. Not only was I a "Walking Dead" and was able to go to the retreat and met so many people who have had their lives impacted by drunk driving but my Dad gave a "mock-eulogy" to the school about me. I knew going into the assembly the on the second day that it was going to be hard listening to my Dad talk about me as though I was gone and never coming back. But I hoped that it would get through to some of the people I knew at school that do drink and sometimes drive while intoxicated. It was only a day or so after the program that I started having classmates coming up to me and telling me thank you and to tell my Dad thank you as well. They had a realization while sitting in the bleachers during the assembly; My dad could be one of their parents if they didn't stop drinking and driving. It is the cold reality of the situation of drinking and driving, the fact that it can happen to anyone at anytime. The two people inparticular have told me thank you. One was a girl who I am very close to and for her privacy I will call her Mary. The day after the Every 15 Minutes program was over she told me how she's been having a really hard time in life lately and had up until the day before been thinking about committing suicide by crashing her car. But after seeing my Dad talk about me like I was gone. Mary thought about her parents having to go through the same thing and she just couldn't bring herself to get into the car. -I do realize that her story doesn't have anything to do with drunk driving but still the Every 15 Minutes Program created an opportunity for Mary to see a reality she hadn't thought of to that extent. The next story is about a guy, who once again I will call Sam for his privacy. He simply came up to me later in the school year a few months after the program. When he came up to me he pulled me aside and said "thank you so much Jacki, I was completely drunk this weekend at a party and was getting in my car to drive home but all I could think of as I was about to start my car was seeing you in the assembly as your dad read your eulogy. I just couldn't start the car, so I went back inside the house and stayed there that night. Thank you so much, I really think you saved my life." I knew this program was going to be amazing. I just didn't realize it would give me the opportunity to affect people like this. Thank you so much for bringing this program to my high school. It really does work. Jacklyn Vaughan-Chaldy Jul 8, 2009

A couple years ago, one of my friends was killed by a drunk driver going down a residential street at speeds of up to 100 mph. When she was killed she left behind two young children ages 5 and 7 years old. She also was 5 months pregnant and the baby did not survive. I am glad that there are programs like this out there to education high school students of the devastation of drunk driving so that trageties like the one that happened to my friend will not occur. It would be nice if in one of the "Every 15 minutes" programs one of the victims would be a mother of young children and also possibly pregnant. Jason Snyder Jun 19, 2009

Last month the "Every 15 Minutes" was planned at Foothill High School. My son was one of students involved in the crash. It was devastating and a very emotional two days. As a parent I was asked to come to the school for a parent retreat, I was greeted by students staying after school and the emotion coming from them was sincere. Nothing can prepare you for what happened, not even knowing that it was acting. My boy said the students involved were taken by surprise by how emotional they all got. I am so thankful that this was just a planned lesson and all of our children came home the next day and that this parents worse fear was realized in such a positive and helpful manner. Even if it helps just one student it is worth it. Thank you for such a program, I hope that one day we can name this something that happened in the past not "Every 15 minutes". Again thank you. Julie Dodson Jun 8, 2009

A week ago you guys came to West Hills high school, and i just wanted to let you know how grateful i am. I am a West Hills senior and i firmly believe that performance and assembly will be by far the most memorable part of my highschool carreer. I really hope that you guys can come more often because i would absolutely love to have more kids see that. I had such a great impact on me and my friends alike. Thank you so much, this is an amazing program. La Mesa, CA Danielle Vreeland May 28, 2009

This is really great. Graham , Tx Rebecca and Ashley May 27, 2009

On Oct. 6, 2007 we lost our son (21), his wife of 3 1/2 months (19), and their friend, a young man we had grown to love as a son, he was 24. They were killed by a drunk driver. Because of this earth stopping event, I have joined MADD. I work for the local school system at home and speak to the students at every opportunity. The program you have here is excellant. I will be getting in contact with you the next school year (2010)to see what we can do to use your program at our schools. God bless you all in all that you do.... Thank you in honor of my three... Saucier, MS Bill Downs May 26, 2009

As a reporter, I have covered and participated in five E15M productions at Northern California Hig Schools. Through my camera lens I have seen the faces of many students who were visibly affected by the productions and assemblies. Though I never like to see someone affected to the point of tears, I know that they will remeber the message and the often graphic images. In a world that promotes alcohol as he only way to celebrate, it's great to see a program that shows youth the potential consequences of drinking and driving. My hat is off to all the personnel who come together to get the message out there. Thanks - Fort Bragg, CA Tony S. Reed May 22, 2009

The Every 15 Minute organization came to my school and I was blown away. They made it so... Real. The majority of the students who were chosen to be "living dead" were my friends and that hit me hard. I can't imagine actually losing them. After the assembly on day two, I was a wreck. I held all my friends for many minutes at a time and the tears didn't stop falling for a long time. The organization has reminded me of how blessed I am and it reminded me of all the things I have in my life. I want to thank the Every 15 Minute program for that. Meg May 22, 2009

We just finished the "Every 15 Minutes" program at Foothill High, Sacramento. It was emotional and very informational. I hope that all students and parents got the right message. I know it definitely touched the hearts of the parents and students involved. I am a parent of a student involved and he came home full of stories and it touched him greatly. We talked for hours on the impact it made in his life. Thank you for this life changing mind set and doing this with our school. Sacramento, CA Julie May 21, 2009

My school just finish Every 15 Minutes and I was the Living Dead. I think it was a great experience. It opens everyone eyes to what drinking and driving can do. At frist i didn't cry but when i saw on of my close friend, who was also part of Every 15 Minutes, mom collaspe i cried. I am happy I did the program. Newport News, VA Kerin Burgess May 21, 2009

This program was at my school today and we will be continuing it tomorrow, but it has really opened up my eyes...and I hope it will open up others'. Tippy May 21, 2009

wow i saw the simulation and it really hit a nerve because the people that died were my friends and people that i care about and it would really kill me to see that really happen to my friends because i already lost some one that i cared about and i cant take to lose anyone else. that really made an impact on my life toni May 21, 2009

My school does Every 15 minutes every other year. This year was even more real than the other year I had witnessed it. My cousin was the "drunk driver" this year. and seeing him speak about how he essentially killed his girlfriend and see him, the football star, the jock, the one who actually does drink and drive, break down like that. that was it for me. RIP ashley and brandon. I'm glad you're not really gone. R.I.P. Jenny, I'm sorry you died all those years ago <3 Jamie May 19, 2009

This is a wonderful program. although i have personally never lost anyone due ot drunk driving, my older sister did, in 2006, when she was sixteen. her classmate, jenny selitham, was riding in a car that was being driven by a driver who was unknowningly drunk. he hit a pole, and jenny was thrown through the windshield. the emotional difficulties my family suffered after that were indescribably painful. people, esp. young people, need to become more aware of the dangers of alcohol. they also need to learn more about this wonderful program designed to educate people about drunk dirving. do not let alochol harm anyone in your life. rest in peace, all of those lost to drunk driving. Hercules, California lina May 18, 2009

The Every 15 Minutes Program changed my life in every way possible. The crash scene was so eye opening and scary, but scary in an aware way. The thing that touched me the most was the assembly. I couldn't help but to pour tears during all of the speeches the students gave. When the students reunited with their parents, it just touched my heart. Even if you are sober and you are driving, there is always the risk of a drunk driver hitting you. This program changed my life dramatically and I could never thank you guys enough for this eye-opening experience. Irvine, CA Anonymous May 18, 2009

I want to thank you guys for this! this can be a lesson learnd to alot of people i just hope people relize this is reality not a fairy tale n this can happen to anyone! thank you guys and keep doing what you do. Selma, CA Arissa Marie May 16, 2009

Hey i wanted to thank you guys for coming out and doing this at our school...it really impacted a lot of kids and will hopefully affect thier decisions about drinking and driving with prom coming this weekend! Irvine , Ca Jason Cooper May 14, 2009

My school is participating in every 15 minutes next week and I want to tell you just by helping to set this up has already made a huge impact on my life. My cousins best friend was killed by a drunk driver so this is really hitting home & kinda is mkaing relieve that how situation. Dexter, Maine Ruth Mower May 13, 2009

Hello, my name is Emily Ramos. I go to Natomas High School and we were visited by the program today. I cannot thank you enough for putting the word out about drunk driving. It really hit our students hard to see their own friends and classmates being "killed" and taken away all because of peoples selfless and reckless acts. Seeing everything happen live was absolutley life changing. Thanks again. -emily ramos and the students of natomas high. Emily Ramos May 12, 2009

I wanted to thank your organization for giving us students at Nogales High School such an unforgettable life-changing experience. Teens know about the consequences that result from drinking but having their friends, classmates, and in my case, family members, participate in the program completely changes our attitude towards the problem. Although i did not participate in the planning and presentation of the accident and funeral, i feel as if i were. My brother had the opportunity to participate in the reenactment and by having his life story told and then taken away by an intoxicated driver really made me aware that innocent people are at risk. You dont have to be the drunk driver in order to be at risk. Every fifteen minutes an innocent life is tragically ended by the stupidity of a drunken driver. I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow family and friends go through when they get that horrible call or knock on the door. I hope i never have to. Although i knew that it was an act, i couldn't help to think about the possibility of it being a reality. Let me just say the pain was unbearable. I sat there in the front row facing my mother and all the other parents' agony at the thought of their children's life ending so terribly. It was painful to see my classmates and friends say their last goodbyes to their parents. And for the parents to say goodbye to their kids. Once again i sincerely thank you for the experience and i am sure that all of our faculty and students will never forget these past two days. Thank you. La Puente, CA Yesika Tamayo May 9, 2009

I was part of the program. After it was all over, it hit me about how much it can all be over all because of a stupid split second decision. Drinking and driving impacts more than just the people involved. It impacts the families, friends and everyone who comes in contact with the victims. Please, if your reading this and thinking it's not a big deal, it is. It made the biggest impact on me and I hope my participation in it will help spread the word to others about it. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this magnificant program. It really makes a difference. Williamsburg, Va Kelsey Daly May 8, 2009

Thank you so so much for visiting Golden Sierra today. It was so... shocking to see some of my favorite people in the world die and fail a sobriety test and stuff. It was really eye opening. I know I will never DUI, ever. I could never make my parents write my obituary. Cool, CA C May 7, 2009

Yesterday, there was a Every 15 Minutes showing at our school that really impacted me. Today was the rest of it. We watched the video that they made of what had happened, which really hit me and it made me think that it could happen to me or one of my friends and how my familt would feel if that had happened to me. When I was listening to the parents and kids read their Good-Bye Letters to eachother I thought about all the families and friends that never or would never get the chance to say good-bye. One family that went up to read their Good-Bye Letter, they were saying good-bye for real because their son had passed away in August of last year and they never got the chance to say good-bye. I felt for them. I wanted so much that they could have their son back. But because that, Every 15 Minutes someone under the influence of alcohol gets behind the wheel, we wont be able to say good bye. That's why I'm helping to by spreading the word even farther to not drink and drive. And I want to thank you for what you're doing because it does help, a lot. Tori Roberts May 6, 2009

Yesterday, there was a Every 15 Minutes showing at our school that really impacted me. Today was the rest of it. We watched the video that they made of what had happened, which really hit me and it made me think that it could happen to me or one of my friends and how my familt would feel if that had happened to me. When I was listening to the parents and kids read their Good-Bye Letters to eachother I thought about all the families and friends that never or would never get the chance to say good-bye. One family that went up to read their Good-Bye Letter, they were saying good-bye for real because their son had passed away in August of last year and they never got the chance to say good-bye. I felt for them. I wanted so much that they could have their son back. But because that, Every 15 Minutes someone under the influence of alcohol gets behind the wheel, we wont be able to say good bye. That's why I'm helping to by spreading the word even farther to not drink and drive. And I want to thank you for what you're doing because it does help, a lot. Waterford, CA Tori Roberts May 6, 2009

I decided to finally get on the website and check this out! I just want to thank you all for showing up at Lebanon High School. It was a real pleasure. The entire school was practically in tears and people are STILL talking about it. I think you made a big impact on us!(: Also I have a step father that drinks constantly. Now, everytime he wants to leave the house drunk, I pursuade him into not leaving. You've have not only helped me but I'm sure MANY MANY others. I appreciate what you all are doing. Thanks for visiting us here in Lebanon.(: Lebanon, IN Anonymous May 5, 2009

Today was the funeral and the court hearing. i cried my eyes out and i told myself i wasn't going to cry. my friends were in the crash and i cried when i heard there letter to their parents. the letters from the parents made me cry even more. i understand why they use class mates from our class and use there actual names and everything: to show us the reality of the real world and how THIS can happen to anyone, our family, friends and even ourselves.The best program ever. Lemoore, CA Jason Reith May 1, 2009

These past two days really opened up my eye to life and how precious and valuable it really is. Im a senior at Sirra Vista High School and this program helped me out alot. Although i did not partcipate in it, i was still apart of it. I just wanted to say thank you to the Every 15 minutes program for giving me the oppprtunity to see what could happen before it actually could of. Las Vegas, NV Jazmyne Perez May 1, 2009

You guys came to my high school back in 2002. Your program inspired me to go into trauma surgery. I graduate med school next year and am currently applying to for my surgical residency. Thanks for the experience. Del Mar, Ca Drew May 1, 2009

My son is a senior at Mattanacook Academy and he was part of the living dead for this program.I just want to say that I am grateful to this program and what they stand for.It was the hardest 2 days of my life,but am proud that my son wanted to be a part of it.I can only hope my younger son will too want to be a part of this.I had an aunt who was killed by a drunk driver when she was just 9 yrs old.She was walking along the side of the road and he hit and dragged her under his car.I never had a chance to meet her,but I know the impact it had on my dad and his family.This man just recently was picked up again for drinking and driving.How sad that killing my aunt yrs.ago was not an eye opener.Anyways,thank you for this program and if it helps just one child to make the right decision you have won!! Lincoln, Me Connie Cox May 1, 2009

We had our Every Fifteen Minute Program on April 28- 29, 2009, at River City High School. It was really sad. It had a great impact on me and a lot of people at my school, especially seeing our friends participating in our crash, and the assembly, just thinking that could happen to them or any of us. West Sacramento, CA Angelica Apr 30, 2009

I am a junior at Franklin High in New Jersey. Our school has never done anything like this and to have it done while i was attending was an incredible life changing experience. Even though no one was killed or injured, i felt so deeply touched and cried during the almost 4 hour memorial service. About 100 tissue boxes were passed around the auditorium and everyone shed at least a tear. I never want to go through this or have a loved one go through this. It's Horrible. Somerset, New Jersey Natasha Apr 30, 2009

today our school had the crash today and tomorrow is our assembly, but i must say today was a major eye opener. i never want to see my friend get arrested, or have another lying on the floor screaming she doesn't want to die. Have another pronounced dead on the secne. like that just eats me alive. i appreciate programs like this. i mean this definitly showed me the light. De Pere, Wisconsin Hannah Apr 29, 2009

Every 15 minutes is put on in our local high school (Bishop Union High) every 2 years. While I have attended a few I had never participated until 2008. My daughter Meghan Julie Riggs was killed in a car crash (drowsy driver) in 2004. After speaking a a few CHP Start Smart programs, I attended the crash scene the day before and thought I would never be able to speak the next day. Then I saw the faces of the kids and knew, I needed to tell them, what it was like for a parent to go through what I did. Going to the hospital to beg God for my daughters' life. Its an experience like none other. I applaud the creators of this program. They have done a great service. Thank you! Bishop, CA Mary Zaragoza Apr 26, 2009

I saw this program at my school this week! I thought it was a good thing to have this out there to show teens that being with the in crowd won't always mean your the coolest person! If you don't drink more people will think you are one of the toughest people at a party or where ever you are! It was very touching and I started crying during it!! I think it is amazing still!! Pocatello, Id Anjelica Apr 24, 2009

The last few months we knew there was going to be a presentation at the FSK High School. My daughter was asked to a participant. The last 2 days, she her mother and i participated at this event, listening to the speakers, watching the kids be involved in the crash scenario and how the outcomes at the hospital and courtroom all played out. The video for the entire assembly this morning was so powerful, you could hear a pin drop. I was in tears for most of the two days events, as i handled fatal car crashes as a police officer. It still brings back memories to me. With the powerful real time speakers both during the evening session and then during the final assembly, the point came clear and concise to not drink and drive and to make the proper decision. i have spoken to 4 students that were at the assembly and they all felt that it made an extreme impact on them. Two of them even said it made their day very sad and depressing, but that it hit the right message. One girl even texted her mother to say she loved her during the assembly and that she will never drink and drive. What a great event-- this should be in every school in the nation. I have decided to take the certification class in hopes that I can help in future events. Thanks goes out the Carroll County Team for a fantastic job on the event. FSK High School, i know will have a safer spring time because of this event. Union Bridge, Md Kevin Strack Apr 24, 2009

This program comes to high schools in my area. Some kids are so deeply affected by it. If it changes one persons mind about the seriousness of drinking and driving it was a success. I have seen it bring the biggest baddest most manly athletes to uncontrolable tears. Keep up the good work, its working. Santa Rosa, CA Anna Apr 23, 2009

Ever since my freshman year of high school, I've noticed that my school is involved with Every 15 minutes, and i'd like to take the time to thank the people who developed the program, because I have been affected by it every year. Seeing as I'm a senior this year, I was very excited to see if i would be chosen to "die," but i wasn't. This process of choosing I don't understand, but I was very sad to know that two of my friends "died," and I couldn't talk to them for two days. This really struck home with me, and I have never had a drink in my life (shocking to know I'm a senior, huh?) and I hope this program touches not only me, but everyone who endures the pain of losing someone, either in a real situation, or a mock death. Mattapoisett, MA Holly Gordon Apr 23, 2009

Today my school participated in its first ever Every 15 Minutes. Many of the students here understood the severity of this program. But many took it as a joke. I was severely appalled. One of my very close friends had to sit in silence while other students joked about the crash, when she herself lost a best friend to a drunk driver. I hope this program continues at our school. This is not a laughing matter and maybe the more this program goes on the more people it will affect. I thank this program for opening up the eyes of those with a big enough heart to care.Lancaster, CA Katrina Apr 21, 2009

Dear Officer Wilson,We wanted to thank you for allowing us to share Kenton's story and for your endless dedication to the fight against impaired drivers. Your passion and commitment are an inspiration. Please continue your efforts for you are making the world a better place. Take care, be safe and God Bless,The Iwaniec Family; Ken, Debby, Acacia, Michael, Sashonna, Theron, Ashley and Kenton Ligonier, PA Acacia Houck Apr 20, 2009

Drinking and Driving Never a Good Combination. Every day more and more reports of drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs appear in the reports of local law enforcement agencies. Is it because more people are drinking or using drugs and driving; or is it because law enforcement have upped efforts to catch drunk drivers? The answer is that probably both are correct. Drivers should understand that even if they are using prescription drugs that can impair driving they are still guilty of driving under the influence. And, if they should cause a wreck with injuries or death while using prescription drugs that impair their decisions and driving ability they can face the same charges as if they were drunk on alcohol or loaded with street drugs. Driving while impaired is no joke, nor is it cool, nor do those caught DUI find sympathy. Driving while impaired is no different than taking a loaded gun and pointing it at a crowd. Think just a little alcohol won’t affect driving? Think again. In 1963 five young men left a west Georgia technical school in a 1957 red T-bird convertible. They were all headed home when the decision was made to stop and get a six-pack of beer. Life was good. They were having a good time. The car was fast and they were free. They came up on a slow vehicle and the T-bird’s driver chose to pass on a hill. By the time he realized a car was headed toward him it was too late. When the crash was over five promising young men laid dead. Their bodies scattered all across the roadway. Two innocent victims in the on- coming vehicle were dead. The tangle of vehicles left both unrecognizable. Six families suffered a heartbreak that would not end. It takes just a second to make a fatal decision when impaired with alcohol or drugs. Make sure you do not make that mistake. If you plan to drink make sure to have a designated driver. If alcohol consumption becomes an unplanned part of the evening call someone to come pick you up. Never drink and drive, or use drugs and drive. It’s the responsible thing to do. By STEPHANIE MILLER STEPHANIE MILLER Apr 20, 2009

MY name is addie and I got to participate in the every 15 min. program last week. This is really an eye opener for everyone. Even know I knew that this was all played out and I was pretending to be dead it felts so real. Im glad I did it and Im glad this program exist. Tillamook , OR Addie Jimenez Apr 19, 2009

This program is great. After watching it at my school, and seeing my classmates reenact something so tragic, I was moved. I think what you do is great! Mineral Wells, TX Rainey Apr 18, 2009

My daughter participated in the Every 15 Minutes Program at her school today. What an truly inspiring program! The lessons she learned through this program were something that I could never teach alone. The tears that she and I cried were real and this will have a lasting impact on her life !!! Mansfield, TX Kim Bacchus Apr 17, 2009

In about two weeks i am going to be participating in this program in our county. I have seen a video from about 4 years ago. It was also done in our county. Watching it was amazing. I did not realize how realistic this becomes. I was not classmates with these kids, but their message still hit me hard. I am honored to be a part of this; to be able to spread the word. I am thoroughly exctied for our event. It is going to be great. I know it already. Fort Morgan, CO Allison Apr 16, 2009

Hello, My name is Juni Nelson and I would like to applaud the "Every 15 Minutes" campaign. Today is our second involvement in this campaign at my school. I am a senior and my sophomore year I "died" in an alcohol related crash during the event. The emotions were real at our moc-funeral and hearing my parents wishing I was alive was intense. I believe that this is a great program but it is a very real and intense Process. Don't let it go overboard or it could really be hurtful. Williams, AZ Juni Nelson Apr 16, 2009

This program really made me feel like we should all pay attention to what we should do. Because every 15 minutes a teenager dies. And its scary, in Ranum High School We did this program at the beginning of last Tuesday, because it was prom/ graduation. Plus we should all know not to drink, smoke, and drive. Its scary. I know that now. If anyone i know been in an accident i would go over to them and stay by their side. Denver, CO Michelle Apr 13, 2009

A life lost way too young!!! I don't want to hear the clichés. I don't want to hear how Angles rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart loved baseball more than anything; how his 22 years were all too short, but packed with love and virtue. I don't want moments of silence before a game; a camera shot of an ADENHART jersey dangling from a hanger; a floral vigil outside the ballpark; a scholarship fund to help kids from his hometown of Silver Spring, Md. I don't want any of it. When ballplayers die, Major League Baseball, its operatives and the media do everything possible to comfort us, to numb the pain and give purpose to the purposeless. Just as we were told when death struck Lyman Bostock and Mike Darr and Cory Lidle and Josh Hancock and dozens of other ballplayers, Nick Adenhart is surely in a better place right now, looking down from that big diamond in the sky and smiling in his own special way. I don't want to hear it. Adenhart, a young man with a limitless future, is dead because someone who was allegedly drunk decided to get behind the wheel. There is no happy ending; no silver lining; no neatly wrapped Little House on the Prairie conclusion. Life goes on, but not for Adenhart. He is gone, and no matter how many video tributes are played on scoreboards throughout the majors, he will not come back. The woman out there who he was supposed to one day marry will wed someone else. The children he was supposed to sire and raise will never exist. There will be no more birthdays or Christmases or gleeful nights at the ballpark. There will be no gracefully growing old. No grandkids. Nick Adenhart does not exist. He is dead. Forever. This is the message -- as painful as burning flesh -- that needs to be told. And told. And told. And told. You drink, you drive, you risk extinguishing somebody's life. Period. And yet where, exactly, is that message? And yet where, exactly, is that message? In the days leading up to Adenhart's death, New York was abuzz with tabloid headlines concerning Joba Chamberlain, the Yankee pitcher who had been arrested during the offseason for driving under the influence. The news, however, had little to do with the DUI and everything to do with the humiliating video of an intoxicated Chamberlain making jokes with police about Yogi Berra's height and New York City's abrasiveness. The newspapers had a field day -- JOBA WACKY! screamed Wednesday's New York Daily News cover, alongside the words, "Yankee star pokes fun at New York, Yogi after DUI bust." Alcohol? Driving? Eh, no biggie. But to make fun of Yogi Berra ... now that's news. Maybe I'm too sensitive. Just last November Brian Hickey, a close friend and former managing editor of the Philadelphia City Paper, was crossing the street in Collingswood, N.J., when a hit-and-run driver plowed into him and left him for dead. In the days and weeks that followed, most of us assumed the worst -- Hickey's skull was cracked open, his back was broken and he was in an induced coma. It was a jarringly up-close, personal view of what reckless driving can to do a human being and his family, and even as Hickey has made a remarkable recovery (his Facebook group, "Help Me Find the Person Who Almost Killed Me," is a worthwhile endeavor), I still hold that anger deep inside. So, please, remember Adenhart for all the right reasons. His decency, his kindness, his talent. But also remember the reality at hand: He is not here -- for no good reason. Jeff Pearlman Apr 13, 2009

Being a part of this program brings chills up my spine throug every aspect: getting the 9-1-1 calls, dispatching emergency crews to the scene, seeing the grim reaper roam around the crash scene, even seeing the video of the death notifications. Everytime the calls goes out, we hope and pray it's nothing bad. Please make SMART CHOICES. If you are going to drink, please don't drive. I'd rather be awoken at 3am with a phone call from my child that they've had too much to drink than by a knock on my front door by 2 cops and a priest. Gilroy, CA Rich Ruiz, 911 Dispatcher Apr 8, 2009

With the help of my parents 9 years ago I put on a Every 15 Minutes program for my high school of 4,500 students, when I was a senior. A friend of mine told me of the program and I had to bring it to my school, we did the program 2 weeks before our senior prom and had no problems at all. I have never felt so good about what I was doing for my school and fellow students. To this day this is the one of the best things I have been involved in and organized. Thank you for starting this program and showing everyone how to stop this before it is a problem to begin with. Long Beach , CA Alexis Apr 8, 2009

March 31st to April 1st marked an experience that I will be sure to take with me for the rest of my life. It started in the early morning first on the loud PA so everyone could hear that dreadful heartbeat and than the sound of death every fifteen minutes it continued through out our school day each time it seemed it hurt more and more. I am very thankful to at least have been part of the visual to see this all happen it was all so real and everyone who helped made an effort to get this message through our heads. Because reality is there are tons of teens out there who are drinking and I hope to God that this program got to them cause it hit me and i hope everyone will take this experience and always remember that every choice you do make there is a consequence weather it may be good or bad. Day two of the every 15 minutes program had t be the most emotional day ever hearing all those things kids and parents would say if that had one last chance to say goodbye. I thank my school and the whole every 15 program for this whole experience and I will share my knowledge every chance I get and from this point on in my life I will never take a day granite and love each moment I have on this earth cause I'll never know when it may be my last. THANK YOU SO MUCH God bless-Callie Sacramento, CA Callie Senna Apr 6, 2009

We have had an Every 15 Minutes program at our school for about eight years now; however, this is the first year that my class was allowed to partake in the events (Our school allows only Juniors and Seniors to participate and watch the accident). The accident was very real, as I saw it from the inside. I was driving the car that was hit by the drunk driver. I was unconscious and was raced to the ER by ambulance. ... I didn't make it. My parents entered the room and the Grim Reaper was standing next to me. My mom was crying a lot and came over and squeezed my hand. Then she kissed my bloody forehead. I wanted so badly to reach out and comfort her and tell her that everything is all right; but I couldn't. That was the most traumatizing experience of my life. Later that night at the hotel we had to write letters to our parents; I cried so much while writing it. Then my parents cried the next morning when they read it at school. I am so grateful for this Every 15 Minutes, and appreciate the effect it has had on my school. We have a lot of issues with Drinking and the peer pressure is there. This program has had a huge impact on our attitudes at school, and about what we do on the weekends. I am glad that my classmates and my experiences can help others make a better choice.Peshtigo, WI Dale Sandberg Apr 6, 2009

We have had an Every 15 Minutes program at our school for about eight years now; however, this is the first year that my class was allowed to partake in the events (Our school allows only Juniors and Seniors to participate and watch the accident). The accident was very real, as I saw it from the inside. I was driving the car that was hit by the drunk driver. I was unconscious and was raced to the ER by ambulance. ... I didn't make it. My parents entered the room and the Grim Reaper was standing next to me. My mom was crying a lot and came over and squeezed my hand. Then she kissed my bloody forehead. I wanted so badly to reach out and comfort her and tell her that everything is all right; but I couldn't. That was the most traumatizing experience of my life. Later that night at the hotel we had to write letters to our parents; I cried so much while writing it. Then my parents cried the next morning when they read it at school. I am so grateful for this Every 15 Minutes, and appreciate the effect it has had on my school. We have a lot of issues with Drinking and the peer pressure is there. This program has had a huge impact on our attitudes at school, and about what we do on the weekends. I am glad that my classmates and my experiences can help others make a better choice. Peshtigo, WI Dale Sandberg Apr 6, 2009

my school is doing an article on this program in our newspaper. and it seems really interesting. im writing the article. :) Vancouver, WA Kimberley Apr 6, 2009

my school is doing an article on this program in our newspaper. and it seems really interesting. im writing the article. :) Vancouver, WA Kimberley Apr 6, 2009

The Every 15 Minutes program had to have been on of the most emotional experiences of my life. My friends were the ones actually in the simulated accident and it was extremely difficult to see them dead on the hood of a car or in the drivers seat. It really hit me hard. You walk into thinking, Henderson, NV Brianna Gomez Apr 5, 2009

This is amazing. I didn't get to be a part of the re-enactment at my school because i'm a sophmore, but I got to see it. It wasn't as realistic as I would've expected. But at least it had a point. But the pictures on the website are so realistic, they look like it actually happened. Well, God does not prevent anything from us, he gives us the choice to choose the right thing to do. So if you're going to drink, to a point where you're going to be all messed up and drunk, PLEASE don't drive! Because you got to think about how many people are are out there driving. Some have their families in the car with them. Think about how many lives you're going to put on the line, and think about yours also. Ask someone else who is not as intoxicated as you to please drive for you. Just remember, God gave you the will to do the right thing, use it wisely. Waco, Tx Dianna Apr 3, 2009

Hi my name is Rochelle I was in a drunk driving accident 5 years ago. I nearly lost my life, the paramedics in the helicopter that took me to Children's Hospital had to revive me. After that i was in a coma for about a week and when i awoke was paralyzed on the right side of my body, could not eat food on my own, speak, or do anything a normal 14 year old could do. After this accident when i healed I am now so thankful for my life, and your demonstrations hit home with me. So please to all you young teens who read these don't drink and drive it will devastate your friends and family tak it from me I was not the cause of my accident but it almost cost me my life and drinking and driving could cost you yours. Palmdale, Ca Rochelle Apr 2, 2009

I stumbled upon this website while doing research on my speech against drunk driving! I had never heard of this program before but have learned a lot just by looking at it. Kalamazoo, MI Francesca Apr 2, 2009

I stumbled upon this website while doing research on my speech against drunk driving! I had never heard of this program before but have learned a lot just by looking at it. Kalamazoo, MI Francesca Apr 2, 2009

These past two days have been some of the most emotional days i have ever encountered. My school (Cabrillo High School) just put on the every 15 minutes assembly and i was honored to be a part of it. I was one of the living dead. I've always wanted to participate in this program since i first heard about it my freshman year, but i could never have prepared myself for these past two days. I went into this program thinking this would be something pretty cool to do and it might change my view on a few things but i never expected it to affect me so much. I've never been the type to show much emotions but last night as hard i tried i couldn't keep it in. I didn't realize how lonely it would feel to be walking around as one of the living dead, u dont know the feeling unless you've experienced it. I kept my composure throughout the day and most of the night while we were at the hotel and lisening to the guest speakers. It made me sick to my stomach hearing some of their stories. What got me the most was recieving the letters from my parents, i dont know what happened but i broke down and started crying, but i wasn't alone, there wasn't one student with dry eyes in that room. I cant describe the feeling of loneliness even with all the other kids in the program going thru what ur going thru at the same time you still feel alone and scared, its not a feeling i will ever forget. This program has brought me closer to so many people i never thought i'd never really talk to. It brought together student from every walk of life, we realized that we may have different interests and hang out with diferent people but we all really do care about each other and really can come together to make a difference. Lompoc, CA Ami Van Nostrand Apr 1, 2009

March 26th and 27th of 2009, Every 15 minutes came to my school and took the lives of our fellow classmates. The experience was one I will never forget. The Living Dead read out letters to their kids causing me and the rest of the school to be left in tears. It was definately a rewarding experience and I'm looking forward to doing it myself in the following years. I will never forget those 2 days where our school was the scene of something so realistic Los Alamitos, CA Tiffany Mar 28, 2009

I have had two chances to see this program now as a freshman and junior at Los Alamitos High School and it's left a deep impact for me. It's made me realize that my life can end just because of one bad choice I can prevent myself from making and that I am not invincible. It's also made me realize my decision not to drink is one of the best things I could've done, even though I am four years away from 21. One lesson to learn from this: Don't drink and drive, it's a choice that can end in the most terrible way Los Alamitos, Ca Melanie Mar 27, 2009

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