High school students know they shouldn't drink and drive. But the vast majority don't think it will hurt them. Green High students learned first hand just how devastating it can be at a special assembly in February.
Deputy Todd Hart began the assemblies with a short talk and plea for students not to drink and drive. "If nothing else, call me so I can arrange for someone to pick you up,” Hart said. Some of the students rolled their eyes at that suggestion. Then he introduced the guest speaker. The entire auditorium got quiet as a pretty young lady was pushed out onto the stage in a wheelchair.
“Hi, my name is Rosanna Neff-Wackerly. I'd like to talk to you about the dangers of drinking and driving. You see, I am completely paralyzed from the neck down as a result of drinking and driving.”
You could have heard a pin drop.
“I was a lot like many of you. I was a cheerleader and on homecoming court. When I graduated in 1998 from Canton South I got a job setting up catering events. I loved it.”
“On the night of Nov. 17, 2004 my life changed forever. My husband and I had gone out for dinner and then joined a friend for a few drinks. My husband left to go home so he would be there when our daughter got home from a church activity. Instead of going with him I stayed to have a few more drinks with my friend."
“Well, a few more drinks kept going on until it was time to leave. I asked my friend if she was OK to drive. She said she was. I was so intoxicated when I got into the car I didn't even fasten my seat belt, which I always do.
“On the way home she ran off the road and hit an embankment. The crash threw me forward and then back, and snapped my neck. Fortunately a passing nurse stopped and stabilized me. That probably saved my life."
What came next was a blur. Rosanna was in the hospital for four weeks, two in intensive care, followed by four months of rehabilitation.
“I was totally paralyzed from the neck down,” she said. “I could only move my head. Life as I had known it had changed.”
Green’s students were mesmerized by her story. Tears were evident on numerous faces.
“My friend was charged and convicted of vehicular assault. She was sentenced to one year in jail. I was not mad at her, it was an accident. She didn't mean to hurt me. Later she asked to speak to students about the experience. The prison asked me to join her and I did.”
“There are so many things I miss. I can't play with my baby daughter who was born 10 months ago nor do things with my 11 year old daughter most people take for granted.Just to go out takes two hours to get me ready."
The student reaction to her talk was poignant.
"What really got to me was when she said she could never brush her daughters’ hair," said Nathan Braswell.
"What got to me was when she said she could never hug her child," said Caitlin Abrams.
“We make decisions that affect more then just ourselves, observed Kiersten Gamby.
“I wouldn't want to be like this," said Carrie Bly. It is so sad, so horrible that she ended up like this."
"There were tears in my eyes both times I heard her talk," said Katie Bishop. "I feel horrible for the situation she is in."
When asked why Rosanna gave the talk, she said, “In a way this is like therapy for me. If I can change one person's life, then it is worth it. I will be happy if I can save one person from going through what I have experienced."
