Syosset High School was the site of an interactive and powerful program on May 28 designed to discourage kids from making poor decisions behind the wheel.
Titled “Arrive Alive,” the traveling awareness tour is run by UNITE, a health and wellness nonprofit organization aimed at encouraging safety and healthy choices. The organization was brought onto the high school’s campus by the Syosset PTA, which runs similar programs in the district throughout the year.
The Syosset Council of PTAs worked with Syosset nonprofit Inspire Bright, an organization started by Syosset sisters Jillian and Rachel Roth, to bring the event to high school students for the second year in a row. Inspire Bright is a 501c3 organization that inspires teens to help teens.
“It inspires bright young minds and the leaders of tomorrow to make a difference in the world today by raising awareness of varying issues within the teen community, and by fundraising for teen centered issues, problems, groups, individuals and organizations,” said Rachel.
The Syosset Council sponsored the program for 10th graders during the school day, while Inspire Bright sponsored the program after school for 11th and 12th graders, as well as community members.
The Arrive Alive Tour featured simulated and interactive exercises that encourage students to realize the dangers involved when driving either impaired or distracted. Students got behind the wheel of a truck wearing virtual-reality goggles and simulated either driving drunk or texting while driving. Students learned that any distractions could make a difference and ultimately lead to tragedy. Prior to the outdoor exercise, students were shown an eye-opening video in the auditorium.
Photo Caption: Syosset High School students went through a simulation of driving under the influence of alcohol or texting while driving. Students learned how that could lead to tragedy.
