In an effort to educate students about the dangers of texting and driving, the “Put It Down, Save a Life” assembly was held in the Varsity Gym on Feb. 21.

“Our hope is (that) students will commit to putting down their phones and being fully attentive while driving,” Student Council Sponsor Heather Colburn said.

Rachel Kim, who was driving distracted, shared her story about the accident she caused in 2006.

“I hope and pray students will learn from my life altering mistake so they don’t have to go through it themselves,” she said.

Kim’s two children were also involved in the accident.

“Living through the suffering I caused over and over again and seeing pictures of my daughter in the Emergency Room always hurt so much,” she said.

Her oldest daughter, now 10, recovered from the accident, but still deals with some physical challenges.

“Hearing Mrs. Kim talk about her accident was hard,” Junior Tyler Finney said. “The fact that she couldn’t help her oldest child was hard to accept.”

Even though telling her story was emotionally difficult for her, Kim said she feels the need to help warn students about the dangers of distracted driving.

“I was given a second chance I didn’t deserve,” she said. “I feel like it is my responsibility to do something more with the life I have been given.”

Kim said her family supports her mission to benefit others.

“We all know how lucky we are to be alive,” Kim said. “Even my daughters think it is awesome to help people in this way.”

Colburn said she hopes students will learn from the speaker.

“Not everyone gets a second chance like Rachel,” she said. “(I am) hoping they will use her story and not have to experience something to learn.”

Finney said the story moved him.

“The assembly has really opened my eyes,” he said. “It’s made me think about the consequences of texting and driving.”

Despite her past mistakes, Kim said that she is confident in sharing her story.

“I know people connect with things that are real,” she said. “Statistics are helpful but real life changes hearts.”

Colburn said Kim’s story is touching.

“Students were visibly moved by our speaker’s story and the experience as a whole,” she said. “I believe most went home and hugged their family, friends and shared their thoughts.”

She said the accident has taught her a valuable lesson that she hopes students will choose to follow.

“The phone goes bye-bye until I am done driving,” Kim said. “One second of distraction can literally steal away someone’s lifetime. It’s not worth it.”