Put It Down, Save a Life, formerly know as Every 15 Minutes, will take place Feb. 25 and 26. The program shows the effects texting, drinking and being distracted while driving to juniors and seniors.

“I really feel like it does change somebody’s life,” event organizer Stephanie Shackelford said. I realize that some students take it a joke and they don’t pay attention to it, but I firmly believe that each year there’s  at least one person whose life changed. If I can change one person’s life it is worth it.”

Students participating in the program will participate in a staged alcohol or texting related crash produced by the Mansfield fire and police departments. To make the experience more lifelike people from Methodist Mansfield Hospital, funeral homes, Careflite, local law enforcement agencies and pastors volunteer their time and resources.

“[My favorite part is] Seeing the kids experience afterward, at the assembly. Hearing their responses and how they took it because every year somebody takes it a different way or they get something different out of it,” Mrs. Shackelford said.

The program has changed in many ways from since last year. This year students will not be taken out of class and their obituaries will not be read, instead everyone involved leave on an all day retreat. Also everyone will be able to go to the crash scene and retreat whereas last year only some could.

“It think it will make a difference, I hope it will especially with the texting,” Mrs. Shackelford said. “ A lot of kids understand ‘Oh I’m not supposed to drink and drive, but they think that ‘Well I’m just looking down for a second while I’m texting.’ So I think that will make a big impact.”

Senior Kourtney Gerik participated in Every 15 Minutes last year and the program impacted not only her life but her families as well.

“I think the program is a great way to get the seriousness of drinking and driving out in the open. High schoolers especially really need to see the consequences of driving while intoxicated,” Gerik said. “I was honored to be part of such an impactful program.”

Applications for Put It Down, Save A Life can be found here and are due Jan. 9. Important dates for the program are listed below.

Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at MISD Performing Arts Center –
Student/Parent mandatory orientation

Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. at MISD Performing Arts Center –
Student/Parent mandatory orientation

Wednesday, Jan. 30 –
Mock Crash Scene

Monday, Feb. 25 at 6 a.m. –
Students arrive for program

Monday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. –
Students arrive for program.

Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. –
Assembly for student body and participating parents

Student applicants and the parents are required to attend the orientation.