by Margo Callaghan

The DUI "Mock Trial" program held at CVU last Thursday featured a cast of local dignitaries and law enforcement personnel. The trial was geared to an audience of CVU juniors and seniors and told the continuing story of a mock crash that was presented at CVU the previous year. The accident scene involved a local student who caused a motor vehicle crash while under the influence of alcohol. To make the event as realistic as possible, several professionals ranging from medical examiner to judge volunteered their time to perform with students in the trial.

CVU student Sasha Gunther of Shelburne played the role of the student defendant facing charges of DUI with fatality resulting, among other charges, in a fictitious accident whereby a passenger was killed in the car she was driving.

The cast of characters included the following professionals who played themselves in the production: Judge James Crucitti, Defense Attorney Howard Kalfus, Prosecutor T.J.Donovan, Shelburne Police Officer Josh Flores, and State Medical Examiner Dr. Elizabeth Bundock.

"This is the second time this event has taken place at CVU," explained Margo Austin, CY Peer Prevention Educator at CVU, "and it is a solemn event. When (Shelburne Police Officer) Josh Flores stood on stage and explained what it is like for him to have to knock on a parent’s door to tell them their ‘kid is dead,’ it really got to everyone."

Austin went on to acknowledge Jim Buell, Captain of the Shelburne Fire Department for organizing the trial. "Quite honestly, Jim is the reason we can do this event. He is instrumental in organizing the entire presentation, and he is working hard to get other high schools in Chittenden County to do the mock trial. I think we are currently the only school that does this, and the feedback from everyone – students, parents and teachers, is incredibly positive."

Next year, the "mock crash" will be acted out again for CVU juniors and seniors, assuring that each class will have had the opportunity to witness the potential effects of drinking and driving on their lives as well as those of their friends and families.