Newark, NJ —  State Senator Gerald Cardinale 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 Pascack Valley 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.

“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 Senator Cardinale. “Brandon’s story is proof that one decision truly can change your life. During this visit, we hope to raise awareness about this serious problem, and to encourage students to ‘Make the Right Choice’ when they are faced with the decision to drink.”

“Prom and Graduation Season is a time of great celebration for high school students. Sadly, alcohol is sometimes part of that celebration. In 2004, 713 youths under the age of 21 died in alcohol-related traffic fatalities during the Prom and Graduation Season. One death is one too many,” said Lindsay Law of The Century Council. “I am so grateful that we were invited to relay this life-saving message to students, and I am hopeful their words will resonate as students make plans for prom and graduation night.”

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.