Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

Pictured (L-R): Vienna High School Principal Ian Murray and MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge 

ST. JAMES—The Central District Coalition for Roadway Safety and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) awarded Vienna High School a $300 grant to assist with expenses of its docudrama. Docudramas enable students to have a tangible example and experience of the ramifications of impaired and distracted driving and the importance of making good choices.

On April 17, Vienna High School students participated in the Grim Reaper docudrama. The Grim Reaper simulation is passed on the idea that every 15 minutes someone dies from a alcohol related incident, and therefore every 15 minutes a student was pulled from class, given a sign that said “Don’t talk to me. I’m only a memory,” and make-up to give them a bruised appearance. At the end of the day, the students assembled in the gym for mock funerals.   

The check was presented by Bonnie Prigge, MRPC executive director. MRPC and MoDOT are members of the Central District Coalition for Roadway Safety presented the check.

MRPC coordinates the Project Graduation/Docudrama mini-grant initiative through a grant from the Central District Coalition for Roadway Safety. Vienna and St. James High Schools were awarded grants to assist with docudramas.

MRPC, through the Statewide Coalition for Roadway Safety, provides docudrama and safety day planning assistance to schools across the state. 

Also during the meeting, Deana Dothage of First Impact Missouri, shared information on the First Impact graduated drivers licenses program that offers information to parents on Missouri graduated driver’s license law for teen drivers. 

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel serves as chairman of the board. A professional staff of 25 offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.orgor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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