Published: April 09, 2008 04:13 pm            

Mock funeral drives home dangers of DUI

A large group of Lafayette High School students gathered at the football field before their third period class at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4, to observe a mock funeral. The event was put together by Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office personnel, Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Mayo, and several students from the senior class.

According to Scott Hamlin, Lafayette County school resource officer, the purpose of the mock funeral was to be a somber, motivating lesson about the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving. Hamlin, as well as everyone who participated, felt the presentation went well and hoped the students were motivated to say no to peer pressure and encourage their friends to avoid drinking and driving.

To help the students understand the importance of the lesson, Natalie Land was chosen to play the part of the victim, while Kevin Waters played the role of the suspect who was responsible for her untimely death.

Land and Waters, held in high regard and loved by their fellow classmates, have achieved many goals and received various awards while in high school. In sports, Land used her skills to help her basketball teammates win many games and compete for the state championship. Waters has been involved with the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, representing Lafayette County while learning valuable leadership and decision-making skills.

After Sheriff Carson McCall led the family of the deceased to the mock burial site, several senior class members - Kailey Sapp, Ashton Shaw, Lilli Prine, Krysten Millard, Cartasha Macklin and Lacey Moore - acted as pallbearers. Seated next to the casket were members of Land’s family: Marc Land, father; Sonya Land, mother; and Kelsey Land and Lydia Land, sisters.

Chuck Hodge, pastor of Alton Church of God, spoke briefly about the life of Land, gave a sermon about the dangers of alcohol and led everyone in a moment of prayer.

As he tried to hold back the tears, McCall spoke passionately to the students about how much he, as well as everyone in the community, loves and cares about them. He also encouraged them to use this event to be motivated to make the right decision, not only after prom night, but also every day of their life.

At the close of the ceremony, McCall pointed to the south end of the football field where Land stood in her graduation uniform.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.