Junior firefighters work to quickly extract victims from the car during the staged demonstration.
Each year in early May, Milford High School’s juniors and seniors can be found outdoors surrounded by first responders, police officers and two totaled cars.
Now, don’t be fooled. This is a staged demonstration that advocates for a serious cause. “Prom Promise,” an impactful event organized by the Milford FFA Chapter in Delaware, is held the day before prom to promote the importance of safe and sober driving.
At the heart of the event is a staged crash scene that is designed to be as realistic as possible. It involves four high school students, all dressed in their prom attire, who play the part of deceased or injured victims of a car crash caused by drunk driving.
Around them, emergency responders, more than five local fire departments, officers from the Milford Police Department, and Milford FFA junior firefighters work tirelessly to rescue the victims. While one victim is undergoing a sobriety test, another is being airlifted from the scene, making it clear to every high school student that drunk driving is no joke.
Although it’s staged, this demonstration goes beyond simple lectures or statistics. It aims to leave a lasting emotional impact on students. By witnessing the staged crash, students are confronted with the harsh realities of risky behavior. The sight of friends playing victims adds a personal element, reinforcing that no one is invulnerable to the dangers of impaired driving.
Medical professionals provide medical attention to senior Landon Hudson during the staged demonstration.
The timing of the event, just before prom, is deliberate. Prom is a time of celebration and long-lasting memories, but it’s often accompanied by peer pressure and opportunities to engage in risky behaviors. The demonstration emphasizes that students have a choice to make: either to act responsibly, or put themselves and others in harm’s way.
“It’s such an important event, both for our student population and the community as a whole,” said food science teacher and Milford FFA Advisor Trina Stump. “The ‘Prom Promise’ demonstration isn’t just impactful, but it also gives high school students the chance to take part, making it a full-circle moment.”
By combining education, emotional impact and, above all, community involvement, “Prom Promise” creates a powerful message that resonates with students. It not only raises awareness of the dangers of drunk and distracted driving, but it encourages students to take accountability for their actions, ultimately promoting a culture of safety and responsibility within the community.
