Leon County Extension agent Cassie Ferguson spearheaded this year’s safety fair for the freshman class. Typically held as one county-wide event, COVID-19 meant that each school had its own individual safety fair this year to minimize exposure.

The extension agents led the seatbelt safety session, which told the story of Kailee Mills. Kailee died in a tragic car accident four years ago after taking her seat belt off to take a selfie. After the video, students wrote down who they were buckling up for, be it their mom or dad, best friend or teammates.

“The story of Kailee Mills really made me want to cry,” freshman Alexia Dittman said. “The presentation really made me realize how careful we need to be on the road, even if I’m not the one driving.”

Another presentation was led by the FCCLA. They discussed how vaping and other drugs hinder perceptions when behind the wheel. They did an activity where students put on goggles that hindered eyesight to mimic vision after drinking.

“When I put on the goggles it looked like I had just spun in a circle like 50 times without stopping,” freshman Avery Hardin said. “I can’t imagine trying to drive like that; even colors looked different.”

Buffalo Chief Lance Pavelka led a session discussing how to properly handle the situation when pulled over by a cop as well as the process of what happens if a driver is drinking or on drugs behind the wheel.

“This whole thing really opened my eyes to how many people drink and drive as teens,” freshman Amy Sanchez. “I never really knew what to do if I got pulled over, and I’m glad to know.”