Berney and Walla Walla High School recognized for Traffic Safety efforts

Berney and Walla Walla High School recognized for Traffic Safety efforts
Last week Berney Elementary and Walla Walla High School representatives were honored by the Walla Walla County Traffic Safety Task Force during the organization's annual awards luncheon at the Marcus Whitman Hotel.

Berney Elementary, represented by Kindergarten teacher Lori Thomas and Berney parent Sandy Stiller-Patton, received an Educational Outreach award for their efforts funding car seat education programs. Berney has also participated in the Buckle Up For Safety Program each year.

Berney staff dedicated their effort to honor the life of student Vincent Gwinn who was lost last year in an car accident. Michelle Gwinn, Vincent's mom, was also in attendance as the school's guest.

"There are several families in the Walla Walla Valley whose children are riding safer because of the efforts of the Berney Elementary family," Nancy McClenny-Walters, Walla Walla County Traffic Safety Task Force Target Zero Manager. "Thank you for turning your tragic loss into something beautiful and beneficial for others."

Walla Walla High School, represented by teacher Jillian DeBritz and the Wa-Hi ASB Leadership Class, received a Youth Initiative award for its support of the "Every 15 Minutes Program" over the past 12 years. The "Every 15 Minutes Program" discourages students from drinking and driving.

"Since that first program at Wa-Hi, we have expanded it to reach over 8,000 students in Walla Walla County including nearly 5,000 at Wa-Hi alone," McClenny-Walters said. "Each year the Task Force and Wa-Hi ASB Leadership work together to reach out to the seniors at Wa-Hi with our simple message - should you now or in the future ever choose to drink alcohol, please, please don't get behind the wheel-(in other words) Don't drink and drive."

Teacher Jillian DeBritz said she has seen the benefits of the program.

"Fortunately, and we'd like to think in part due to the strength of the Every 15 minutes program, there have been no youth fatalities following graduation or prom since it began here in 1998," DeBritz said. "School administration has encouraged students to participate in the program and have encouraged teachers to be a part of the educational opportunity as well by allowing our officers and paramedics to use classroom time to educate seniors on the possible tragic consequences of driving under the influence."