Spring Valley High students pledge to fight DUI during prom
Juniors and seniors at Spring Valley High School promised Monday to be safe on the road during their prom Saturday.
The pledge came under the watchful eye of Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.
“Every year during prom season, someone has to go tell a parent they’ve lost their child in an automobile accident,” Lott told about 50 students during a pep rally. “You can stop that.”
He urged students not to drive after drinking or using drugs and not to get in a vehicle with others who might be impaired.
Chelsea Navarro, 17, got a wrecked car from Schroeder's Towing – provided free – to demonstrate the dangers of driving under the influence.
“The car that we have in front of us today, it speaks volumes because it shows if you get in the car with somebody – or you are driving – you risk not only your life, but the lives of others,” Navarro said.
Maya Edwards, 18, said the rally struck a personal note for her.
“I have someone in my family who died of drinking and driving,” she said. “So it’s good to take extra caution and be safe out there.”
After the rally organized by student Morgan Molosso, those at the rally took tied red ribbons on their vehicle antennas to mark their commitment against drunk driving.
Glen Luke Flanagan: 803-771-8305, @glenlflanagan
This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 4:31 PM with the headline "Spring Valley High students pledge to fight DUI during prom."