On March 12 and 13, seniors and staff experienced the Every 15 Minutes program and learned about the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence.
This awareness program took place on campus and happened in two parts. On the first day students witnessed a reenactment of how a real-life DUI accident looks like. The reenactment was portrayed by the following students: Gavin Estrada, Isabella Guerra, Kanin Welch, Nathan Riofrio, Aubrey Sylva, Zoey Wooten, and Ashlynne Cancino.
“To be able to be a part of this program has been an honor. This program, and my experience alone, has impacted not only my future, but the future of those around me. Being one of the ones to die was truly frightening, but I felt proud to play the role as I felt I had the chance to leave an impact on those watching,” stated Isabella Guerra (12).
“To me, it was like my heart stopped for a second. I told my daughter I was strong enough to witness such stuff, but then she sat me down to explain the gravity and importance of this program, and I felt as a mom I had no other choice but to support her and this program, as I’d never want to say goodbye to my daughter, or for her to have to lose one of her friends because of somebody’s ignorance,” stated Guerra’s mom.
Students and staff were able to see the roles of first responders and how they work together to provide immediate care to save lives and protect public safety. Students were also able to observe how law enforcement investigates, how the sobriety test is done, and how California State law is enforced. But most importantly they were able to feel and experience the raw emotions that come with these unfortunate events.
“The part of this program that I feel left the strongest emotional impact on me was when my mom cried out for me. It was heartbreaking to hear, as I wish I could’ve just hugged her in that instant. It was very eye opening, to know some mothers truly do experience these situations, only that their kids cannot wake up to hug them like how I did,” stated Guerra (12).
On the second day, students, parents, visitors, and staff attended an assembly in the Tiger gym where they got to experience a funeral and view a video of how these types of accidents happen and the perspectives of the injured, survivors, and the families of the deceased. During the assembly many felt the sadness of the losses and even cried after seeing the heartbreaking reality of losing a loved one to a car accident.
“As a parent, the most difficult and impacting part of this experience for me was when I saw my daughter lying in the hospital dead, as the doctor was telling me she had passed. It was heartbreaking, something a parent should never have to experience,” stated Guerra’s mom.
The Every 15 Minutes program was a success and educated students about the real-life consequences and long-term effects of risky behavior when it comes to drinking and driving, but it also opened up new discussions.
“This experience definitely opened up new discussions, I have nonstop been telling my friends and family about it, and they are all too, if they haven’t yet, understanding how important it is to tell your kids that it is okay to call us, we will not be mad. We prefer to take you home, rather than getting a call that you were in an accident,” stated Guerra’s mom.
The program challenged students’ to think about the responsibility of decision-making and the impact their decisions have not only on themselves but their family, friends, and the community. They learned how one choice, one decision, can forever change someone’s life as well as their own life.
“I think every high school student should experience this program firsthand. Because at our age, it is very easy to think that we are invincible, that nothing bad will happen to us, until it does. I truly wouldn’t want any of my classmates to ever experience a situation like this in real life, and experiencing this program definitely would leave an impact,” stated Guerra (12).
“I do feel it is important for every high school student to experience this program. I am a grown adult and I myself was extremely impacted. I think the young need to realize how much is ahead of them, and I’d like to see all of my daughter’s classmates succeed in life, stated Guerra’s mom.
This program wouldn’t have been possible without the support, collaboration, and planning of our community, counselors, local businesses, school districts’ office, fire department, funeral home, police department, churches, local donors, teachers, administrators, parents, and students. To view this year’s 2026 Every 15 Minutes video, go check it out on YouTube at LB Tigers ASB.
