Sirens wailed and emotions ran high on Wednesday as North Mahaska High School students witnessed a heart-wrenching mock crash designed to simulate the real-life consequences of drunk and distracted driving. Coordinated by teacher Erica Groom and Mahaska County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Johnston—both alumni of North Mahaska who once participated in similar events—the reenactment left a powerful impression on students, staff, and community members alike.
The scene was staged with chilling realism: a collision between a pickup truck and a small car, complete with sound effects, students stumbling from wrecked vehicles, and mock 911 calls. Firefighters arrived to extract victims from the mangled cars, while law enforcement conducted sobriety tests and arrests. Funeral home staff placed bodies into bags as bystanders looked on in somber silence.
Two students, Trenton Hol and Moriah Stout, were “killed” in the incident—Trenton at the scene and Moriah later at the “hospital.” Others were left with life-altering “injuries.” Senior Joel DeJong portrayed the impaired driver. After failing a sobriety test, he was handcuffed and placed in the back of a squad car by New Sharon Police Officer Emily Lawler. Later, dressed in jail attire, DeJong addressed his peers about the dangers of driving under the influence.
“It was fun acting out, but it got serious,” said DeJong. “Being cuffed was a bit scary.”
Among the crowd was his mother, Tonya, who struggled with the emotional weight of seeing her son in handcuffs—even as part of a simulation.
“It was difficult to watch,” she said. “I’m just glad to see him afterward.”
The realism continued as students gathered for a mock funeral, reading heartfelt eulogies about their “lost” classmates. Tears flowed freely as they shared memories, regrets, and pleas for safer choices.
“Even though the incident was staged, the emotions were raw and real,” said Groom. “Our students did an incredible job keeping their roles quiet, which made the impact even stronger. I’m so proud of them and everyone who helped bring this together. If this event changes even one life, it’s worth it.”
Groom expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed: Deputy Johnston, Don DeKock, Kevin Lamberson, Emily Lawler, New Sharon Fire and Ambulance crews, Outer Limits Truck Repair, Holland-Coble Funeral Home, Ms. Molly Ray for the makeup, Musco for printing brochures, Ryan Groom for the wooden crosses, Hy-Vee Floral for the casket arrangement, and the school administration for their unwavering support.
As the event wrapped up, a New Sharon firefighter reflected on his 40-plus years of service. Fighting back tears, he shared that he had responded to too many real-life crashes caused by impaired drivers—and had seen too many young lives cut short.
With prom, graduation, and summer around the corner, the hope is clear: that students will remember what they saw, and choose safety over reckless decisions.
No lives were lost that day—but many minds were changed.
