Meaningful impact

by Conner Morris, reporter 

FAIRHOPE, Ala. – Sophomores attended an assembly October 3 in the FHS gym as Under Age Under Arrest program speakers educated them about the repercussions of under-age substance use. The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board created the program to combat nationwide underage drinking issues, starting with informing students and parents of the dangers.

Sophomore Mercedes Martinez hopes that one day when her classmates look back, there will be no mistakes that they regret. 

“After attending the assembly today I was feeling grateful for the community that we live in and all the blessings we have. There are so many underage kids drinking alcohol and driving recklessly,” Martinez said.

Rusty Glover of the program spoke to students about making choices.

“Your consequences will stay with you for the rest of your life,” Glover said.

”Especially as you get older and get behind the wheel of a car. The choices you make can be catastrophic for you, your family and friends.”

Police officer Casey Ott shared an impactful story about his experience of informing parents whose teen driver lost her life. 

“Her parents were asleep at their house and the child snuck out at 3:15 a.m. and took their car. She was not intoxicated and she wasn’t high. She went out to go visit some friends and went too fast on a curve and flipped. She died instantly.”

Ott said it was difficult to knock on their door at 3:30 a.m. to wake somebody’s parents up to tell them their child died.

Listeners empathized with the story understanding the hurt that reckless driving can cause.

“I think it was a real eye opening assembly and that it was good for everyone to hear,” said Sophomore Natty Narrow.

Under Age Under Arrest strives to inform all students of dangerous drugs and driving. They will continue their reach to every student in Alabama, hoping to minimize deaths and injuries caused by reckless behavior. With their help, FHS students may think twice before doing something they will regret.