ROCKLAND — Beginning in 2002, the then-Rockland District High School, now-Oceanside East High School, has participated in the drama "Every 15 Minutes," a program designed to teach kids about the dangers and potential consequences of drinking (and now texting) and driving.

The program is put on locally for juniors and seniors ahead of graduation and when high school-age kids are often facing making tough choices that can have life-altering and deadly outcomes.

A rainy morning Tuesday, May 22, signaled the next phase in this year's presentation of "Every 15 Minutes." In the weeks leading up to today, students had been confidentially chosen to play various roles, including one student chosen to "die" as a result of a mock car accident.

The drama began this morning soon after the start of school, as one student was removed from class every 15 minutes and a police officer entered the classroom and read that student's obituary. Penned by the student's parents, the obituary explained the circumstances of their demise, and the contributions they had made to their family, school and community.

Later in the morning, the drama moved to the lawn of the high school on Broadway Street, where 11th- and 12-grade students were brought outside to witness the aftermath of a mock two-car accident involving their schoolmates. In the all-too-real simulation, one of their friends' would succumb to their injuries, one would be arrested for drunk driving and the others would suffer a variety of injuries.

Students gathered around the accident scene and watched as Rockland Fire, EMS and Camden First Aid Association personnel worked to free the injured students from their crumpled cars. Shattered glass was strewn about and the roofs and some of the doors of the cars had to be cut off to get everyone out.

There was fake blood and open wounds, chaos and frightened voices asking "what happened?" As they have in year's past, the students witnessing the drama were rapt listeners and observers of every sound and action.

Meanwhile, a police officer was putting the uninjured driver through a field sobriety test, which they failed. Ultimately, that student was placed in handcuffs, arrested and taken away in a squad car.

To complete the drama, the students would attend the mock funeral for one classmate and the court sentencing for another. Parents of the students involved in the drama were also involved, having been asked to pen obituaries and victim impact statements to be read at the mock trial.

"There was a lot of emotion today and that's you want for it to really sink in," said State Police Sgt. Pat Hood. "Hopefully this will help someone make the right decisions."

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Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached by email at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6655.