Letters to the Editor

A crashing success
On April 28, 2010 a mock car crash was staged for the benefit of the Montevideo Senior High School students. It is the hope of the Mock Car Crash Committee that the students took away from this event the knowledge that each one of them will be faced with many choices throughout their lives, one of which is the choice to enter a vehicle in which there is the use of mood-altering chemicals or distracted driving. Our goal was to make the students aware that making the wrong choice regarding these matters can result in numerous negative consequences, including death.

In the weeks leading up to the Mock Car Crash, articles discussing the many negative consequences and statistics of inattentive driving and the use of mood-altering chemicals while driving were placed in the Montevideo newspaper. These articles cannot compare with the more tragic events of the recent past. A full 10 percent of fatalities on Minnesota roads have occurred within the past few weeks, making the timing of the crash event even more crucial.

The planning of an event such as this Mock Car Crash takes many hours and many resources, all of which were contributed by people who have one common desire — to keep our teenagers safe at a time in their lives when they are faced with many choices.

Below is a list of the many participants in the event. If anyone has been overlooked we cannot apologize enough. Your input has been very important to the success of the event.
Terry Overlanderr
Brad Tollakson
Tim Burns
Dwayne Knutson
Lou Kuno
Stacey Hoidal
Russ Olson
John Vanden Brink
Lakeland Broadcasting
Mike Dahl
Matt Olson
Terrie Johnson
Prairie Lakes Youth Programs staff members
Montevideo Police Department
Chippewa County Sheriffs Department
Montevideo-Chippewa County Hospital staff members
Montevideo Ambulance Squad
Montevideo Fire Department
Anderson Funeral Home
Wing-Bain Funeral Home
Chippewa County Coroner
Montevideo American-News
North Memorial, all flight crew members
Montevideo Public Schools
Chippewa County Fair Board
Countryside Public Health

With our sincere gratitude.

— 2010 Mock Car Crash Committee
Montevideo

Admiration
I'm grateful for the many exceptional, caring people in our community. I was very impressed last fall when Marcus Jerve, a Montevideo senior with some special needs was voted homecoming king by his peers.

I am a parent of two special needs boys and I know what an honor, thrill and blessing this was for Marcus and his family.

In April, my wife and I took our boys to the Special Olym­pics in the cities. I was amazed at the many adults from our community that were giving so much of themselves to make these kids feel special and have a great time. Some were parents of the participants, but many were there helping and sharing their time and love with these kids, just because of their own kind and compassionate hearts.

My most recent cause for admiration happened on prom night when Danielle Mulligan, a 2009 graduate of Montevideo High School took my special needs senior to the Montevideo prom.

For Nathan to walk in the Grand March with a beautiful young lady by his side is an experience we will never hear the end of. He has multiple challenges including ADHD and I know what a handful he was for Danielle. His neverending questions can drive one crazy, but she patiently endured it and followed him around all evening as he enjoyed the time of his life, talking to everyone and relishing the attention.

After she brought him home, he walked around for an hour exclaiming again and again what a wonderful time he’d had, admiring his tuxedo in the mirror and refusing to undress, not wishing to bring this highlight of his life to an end.

To Danielle and the many others in our community that go the extra mile and pour out your love and compassion to the undercover angels among us, thank you so much and may God bless you. You have my utmost respect and admiration.

—Al Van Gorp
Montevideo