Compelling Speaker Encourages High School Students to Make Smart Choices
WHAT:
A presentation for students about making smart choices, respecting parents and rising above disabilities.
WHEN:
Tuesday February 17, 9:00-10:30 AM, West Ashley High School
Tuesday, February 17, 2:00-3:30 PM, Wando High School
Wednesday February 18, 10:25-11:40 AM, Porter-Gaud School
Wednesday February 18, 1:15-2:00 PM, Bishop England High School
WHO:
High School Injury Prevention Coalition will introduce presenter Sarah Panzau.
As a two-time member of the National Junior College Athletic Association women’s volleyball All-America team, Sarah Panzau knew what it was like to be on top of her game – and on top of the world. Somewhere between life as a competitively driven high-school athlete and the early years of college, Panzau began heading down a destructive path. She was trapped in a pattern of making poor choices that would one day catch up with her.
That day was Aug. 23, 2003, when Panzau’s car – and her life – spun out of control. With a blood-alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit, the 21-year-old decided to drive home drunk, missed a highway exit and rolled her car four times. Without a seat belt, she was ejected through the rear window of her car, her left arm was torn from her body and she was thrown onto the roadway.
The next thing she remembers, Panzau was in the hospital being told that she had lost her arm. She remained hospitalized for several months and endured more than 30 surgeries.
Panzau delivers a presentation that poignantly describes the physical and emotional pain of a life that is forever changed because of the poor decisions she made.
WHY:
The High School Injury Prevention Coalition’s mission is to influence and change unsafe driving behavior of high school students especially concerning their attitude about drinking and driving, speeding and seatbelt use. Students at these high schools will be encouraged by Panzau to make smart, responsible choices.
NOTE:
Panzau will be available for interviews after her program. Media are welcome to attend the presentation. This presentation is sponsored by Pearlstine Distributors, the local Anheuser-Busch distributor.
