As June approaches, the community prepares to remember and mourn the tragic loss of Palmetto student Helen Marie Witty, 13 years after her fatal accident. Sixteen-year-old Witty was roller skating on a sidewalk on 57th Avenue when a fellow high schooler, Carla Wagner, hit her while driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. This date memorializes the loss of a young, beautiful girl, and also stands as an opportunity to teach high school students about the repercussions of driving under the influence and the responsibility of getting behind the wheel.

In remembrance of Witty, a former drama student, Troupe 1298 created Witty Night, a fundraiser to assist in funding the Witty scholarship. Students have to write an essay, get a recommendation, and send in their transcript and acceptance letter to apply for the scholarship. The drama department planned a dinner and performances for the fundraiser, hoping to attract students and raise money for the scholarship. This year, senior Lauren Pincus won the scholarship.

“I was honored to receive such a prestigious scholarship,” Pincus said. “I don’t really care how much money I’m getting; it’s the fact that I was picked this year.”

The drama department also helped the school bring back Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

“We are simply students who hope to change and influence the views of our fellow companions,” said Rayna Milfort, Vice President of SADD. “One avoided destructive decision at a time.”

This national organization aims to inform students and provide them with the tools they need to prevent underage drinking and the use of drugs, especially when driving. SADD advocates a safer and healthier course for students’ lives. In addition, they seek to provide students with alternative and fun options, steering them away from making detrimental choices.

“We brought it back as a committee within Thespians to give us more to work with on our philanthropy project, which is drinking and driving,” said Ms. Elizabeth Valero, a drama teacher. “The night is about educating people and raising money for the scholarship.”

Instead of casting a negative light on the fatal event, Witty’s family and friends have helped raise awareness of drunk driving by speaking at various schools and events.

“When Helen Marie died, our life changed overnight. This community picked us up and carried us through,” said Helen Witty, Helen Marie’s mother. “She was the drama queen and here I am doing the speaking for her.”

Helen Marie’s mother volunteered with Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for ten years and continues to speak at schools and organizations.

“Don’t ever drink and drive, don’t ever get in the car with someone who is drinking and driving,” said John Witty, Helen Marie’s father. “It’s that simple.”