A STUDENT ACTOR DRESSED as the Grim Reaper visited classrooms at Servite High School and Rosary Academy every 15 minutes, taking students from class as symbols of lives lost to impaired driving while their obituaries were read aloud. The sobering exercise was part of “Every 15 Minutes” program, a two-day experience designed to help students confront the devastating consequences of impaired and distracted driving.
FIREFIGHTERS APPROACH THE REENACTMENT SCENE DURING THE “EVERY 15 MINUTES” PROGRAM. PHOTOS BY ELI LANDAZABAL
The March 30 program built up to a staged crash reenactment on campus, bringing first responders, student actors and emergency personnel together in a realistic portrayal of the aftermath of a serious collision. The following day, students gathered for a vigil and watched a video leading into the crash scenes, inviting them to reflect more deeply on the grief, loss and lasting impact such tragedies leave behind.
This year’s presentation followed the stories of Sami, Jackson, Jake and their loved ones, showing how one tragic choice can wound not only those directly involved, but also families, friends and an entire community. By placing students at the center of the reenactment, the program made the dangers of impaired and distracted driving feel immediate, personal and unforgettable.
Servite senior Nolan Faulkner ’26, one of the students taken from class during the program, said the experience helped make the message real in a way students cannot easily dismiss.
ANAHEIM POLICE REENACT A FIELD SOBRIETY TEST WITH SERVITE SENIOR JAKE SUSANK
“I think it’s important because it teaches people about the dangers of drunk driving and shows the consequences
that come from it,” Faulkner said. He added that staging the crash at Servite made the lesson even more meaningful for students watching their classmates take part.
“I don’t think people would understand it the same way if you showed them a video of people they didn’t know versus someone they do know,” he said.
Faulkner also said the physical absence of students throughout the day leaves a strong impression.
“It’s important for other students to feel what it’s like when someone isn’t there,” he said. “That physical absence makes the scenario feel real. If you don’t see them, you take it for granted.”
Rosary senior Brigid LeVecke ’26, one of the student actors in the drunk driver’s car, said the reenactment reminds students how suddenly tragedy can happen.
“It shows that this can happen anytime, anywhere,” she said. “It’s scary, but hopefully the video will reach a lot
of people — and remind all of us of the risks.”
Marisa Mallory, a member of Servite’s parent community council and mother of a senior, led the parent volunteer efforts to bring the program to campus. She said “Every 15 Minutes” offers students an important lesson at a
pivotal moment in their lives.
“As our kids get ready to head out into the world, this program teaches them that their actions can have life-altering consequences,” Mallory said. “I am grateful the Servite and Rosary community came together to present
this program.”
The program was made possible through the support of many community partners whose expertise and
presence helped bring realism, care and purpose to the experience. Servite and Rosary expressed special gratitude to Anaheim Fire, Anaheim Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Hilgenfeld Mortuary, UCI Health and Kathleen Uriostegui for helping make the program possible.
The schools also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Roth family for allowing Christopher M. Roth ’09’s story to
be shared with students. Christopher was walking across the street when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. He had just graduated from college and was beginning a promising career as a caddie on the PGA Tour. Remembered as a beloved son, big brother and Forever Friar, his life and legacy brought powerful truth and lasting impact to this year’s program.