Newark, NJ — Congressman Scott Garrett and The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, partnered today to bring a life-saving lesson about the dangers of drunk driving and underage drinking to students of Park Ridge High School. In advance of Prom and Graduation season, Brandon Silveria, a young man who was involved in an alcohol-related crash at age 17 just before his high school prom, and his father Tony spoke to students about the importance of “making the right choice” about alcohol – and if students are under the age of 21 – the only responsible decision is not to drink.
“June is Prom and Graduation Season, a special time for students.
Sadly, as students wrap up their school year and anticipate summer
vacation, alcohol is unfortunately sometimes part of the celebration.
We must do more to remind students that underage drinking is illegal
and dangerous,” said Congressman Garrett. “Brandon Silveria is living
proof that one bad decision can change a life forever. I am so grateful
that he and his father Tony could be here in New Jersey to relay their
life-saving message to students, and I am hopeful their words will make
an impact on students in New Jersey.”
“Last year in New Jersey, 344 youths under the age of 18 were arrested
for driving under the influence and 2,607 were arrested for liquor law
violations (UCR 2004),” said Lindsay Law of The Century Council. “I’m
pleased we were invited to give this presentation today. During our
visit, we hope to raise awareness about this serious problem, and by
doing so, save lives in New Jersey.”
During his presentation, Brandon Silveria told students his wrenching
story of how as a high school student he had everything a teenager
could want—a job, girlfriend and plans for the future—until he had a
few drinks at a party and chose to drive home. After falling asleep at
the wheel, crossing the centerline and crashing into a tree, he was
left in a coma for three months and spent several years in
rehabilitation. Silveria was so badly injured that basic motor
functions such as walking, talking and swallowing had to be re-learned.
He has permanent brain injury and suffers from dangerous seizures.
Brandon’s presentations continue to receive standing ovations from
students across the country.
“What you become depends on the choices that you make,” said Brandon
Silveria. “When I was seventeen, I had a job, a car and a girlfriend. I
had the world at my fingertips, and that all changed because of a
stupid choice I made. My hope is that by sharing my experiences with
other young people, I can prevent others from being hurt or killed.”
Through educational efforts such as the Silveria lecture and video
program, The Century Council educates students across the country about
the hazards of underage drinking and driving. Since Brandon and his
father Tony have become spokespeople for The Century Council, they have
addressed well over one million high school students nationwide and
have been featured on such television programs as “Rescue 911,” NBC’s
“Today,” and “Leeza.”
To request a free copy of “Brandon Tells His Story” or for more
information on the Silveria program call (800) 431-4499. The 30-minute
video, which won an award from the American Medical Association, is
accompanied by supporting curriculum materials and can be used with
large or small groups of teens.
Brandon and Tony Silveria have appeared and will also appear at the following high schools throughout the week:
June 5, 2006 – Northern Valley Regional High School (Old Tappan), - 9:30 a.m.
June 5, 2006 – Northern Valley Regional High School (Demarest), - 1:30 p.m.
June 6, 2006 – Park Ridge High School - 8:45 a.m. **w/ Congressman Garrett**
June 6, 2006 – Westwood High School, - 2:00 p.m.
June 7, 2006 – Pascack Valley High School, - 8:00 a.m. ** w/ Senator Cardinale **
June 7, 2006 – New Milford High School, - 1:15 p.m.
June 8, 2006 – Hasbrouk Heights High School, - 9:45 a.m.
June 8, 2006 – Teaneck High School, - 1:30 p.m. **w/ Assemblyman Johnson**
June 9, 2006 – Wood Ridge High School, - 1:00 p.m.
