With Prom in just a few days, this year’s Arrive Alive may hit a little closer to home following the recent passing of Park Hill student Tessa Walker.
Walker, an 18-year-old senior at Park Hill High School died in a rollover car crash at 4:20 a.m. on March 22. She was a passenger on Missouri Highway 45 near North Main Street in rural Platte County, the only death among the driver and two other passengers, dying at the scene.
Investigators believe excess speeds of over 100mph and alcohol played roles in the crash, with a full crash reconstruction being included in further investigation.
Students must keep in mind while having the privilege to do these fun activities during Arrive Alive that keep them engaged and bring laughter, whether it’s just to get out of class or actually take something away from the experience, Walker’s recent passing will still weigh heavily on the hearts of many.
“She was my best friend of six-years’ older sister, so I grew up as a person with them,” junior Lilianna Townsend said. “Seeing how she grew from middle school to now showed how hard a person works for what they deserve. She was always laughing and always made us laugh, but when you needed someone to talk to she always opened up and listened no matter what.”
Building up to Arrive Alive, Platte County High School hosts festivities to hype up the coming weekend, but this time around students and staff will likely take a look at the bigger picture. Numerous organizations and businesses, including the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, come together annually to present to students the dangers of driving under the influence.
Students get to go through different “experiences” during the day of Arrive Alive, including being able to try goggles that imitate being drunk, the ability to get into a semi-truck cab and police cruiser, and a mock reenactment of a crash caused by driving under the influence put together by students from theatre classes.
This is all to encourage students to make smart, thoughtful decisions over the course of the weekend, and remind students of the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. While being reminded by many different people in life, “make smart choices” is likely something that high school students everywhere are reminded of frequently, but sometimes not taken seriously.
