On Sunday afternoon, December 29th, 2024, at Northwest Stadium, home of the Washington Commanders, Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) SADD officers Rachel Eshetu, Taylor Scarlett, and chaperone Mr. Nathan Scarlett accompanied by Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn and Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris, along with their coaches, and former NFL players, participated in the Coach Greg Knapp Memorial Stair Climb. Coach Knapp was an assistant coach for 7 different NFL teams, the last one being the New York Jets. To honor the life of Coach Greg Knapp, who was tragically killed by a distracted driver in July 2021, his wife, Charlotte Knapp, along with his agent and his late close friend Jeff Sperbeck, established The Coach Knapp Memorial Fund. The fund’s mission is to raise awareness about the risks of distracted driving, advocate for reform, and help prevent fatalities caused by it.
SADD officer Taylor noted, “This event was enlightening for me because it allowed me to personally meet the people who were affected by Coach Knapp’s passing and the severity of how distracted driving affects all individuals involved. This event was also impactful to the public to show how important safe driving is.”
The Eleanor Roosevelt High School SADD chapter was reestablished in 2002 by current advisor Ms. Joanne Read and aims to support their local community through both in-school and community-wide chapter events, with a recent highlight focusing on raising awareness for the dangers of distracted and impaired driving and walking (pedestrian safety).
Our chapter’s second life-saving event occurred on April 3rd when the senior class at Eleanor Roosevelt High School gathered outside the parking lot for an emotional event organized by the SADD chapter— a mock car crash entitled “Every 15 Minutes,” staged to show the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It was given this title because, according to statistics, every 15 minutes, someone is killed in a drunk driving crash.
Four SADD members/officers — Ajibola Ajani (member), Jin Hao Cao (Co-Vice President), Alan Morales (Co-President), and Krisha Patel (Co-President)— took on difficult roles to bring the scene to life.
Prince George’s County Fire and EMS from Company 806, located in Springdale, MD, joined the demonstration, lending realism to the scene. As sirens blared and the wrecked cars sat in the middle of the parking lot, students watched in silence. Many were visibly moved by the intensity of the performance.
Jin Hao Cao portrayed the perpetrator of the event, who acted as if he were under the influence. With the help of Greenbelt Traffic Officer Abbey Kipke, he performed several Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which are designed to assess impairment. Ajibola Ajani was the deceased victim, who was covered by a white cloth as a reminder of how quickly lives can be lost. Krisha Patel acted as the walking victim, who was dazed and injured but able to move. Alan Morales was the living victim who was taken onto the stretcher, which was then loaded into an ambulance.
Toward the end of the demonstration, firefighters from Station 806 performed the Jaws of Life on the crashed car, demonstrating the powerful set of hydraulic tools used to free crash victims from wrecked vehicles, and leaving a strong impact on the spectators.
“This is not just a performance,” said Michael Thoundayil, one SADD member. “We want students to understand that one bad decision can change everything — forever.”
The SADD mock crash is held each year before prom season to encourage members of the senior class and their guests to make safe, responsible choices. This year’s event left a lasting impression on many, reminding us all of the real-life consequences that reckless driving can bring.
Lastly, the Eleanor Roosevelt SADD Chapter continues to work towards raising awareness for the causes of distracted driving (mainly drinking & drugging & cell phone abuse), all of which can be devastating. Most recently on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, during the last Senior assembly in the auditorium, our SADD officers conducted the “Prom Promise Pledge,” informing all seniors about the dangers of distracted driving by holding a pledge signing event to stay safe when in a vehicle by wearing seatbelts, refrain from distractions such as phone calls and texting, and of course refraining from alcohol and drugs.
After senior students signed the pledge, our officers handed out goodie bags of treats and safety messages to have a fun and safe time during Prom and Graduation season.
The Eleanor Roosevelt High School SADD Chapter continues to promote safety and change in their local community, planning future campaigns including a Mental Health Awareness campaign outside of their cafeteria Lobby during all lunch periods on Friday, May 23rd, 2025. This campaign is hosted to promote mental health, provide resources for students and teachers, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.