March 8, 2012 (Sacramento):  Teens at John F. Kennedy High School – many of them new drivers – will witness the harsh legal consequences of driving under the influence when the Real DUI Court in School Program comes to campus this Friday.

The school’s gym will be transformed into the courtroom of a local judge, and a driver previously convicted of DUI will be sentenced and given an opportunity to address an assembly of juniors and seniors. The teens will hear for themselves about the dangers of taking the wheel after drinking.

“Teenagers tend to think that they’re invincible,” said JFK student Zachary Corbo, who is bringing the program to Kennedy for his senior year research project. “Kids think ‘It’s not going to happen to me.’ But statistically, 60 percent of all teen deaths in car accidents are alcohol-related.”

Corbo said he’s hoping the court program will heighten awareness and recognition that teen drinking and driving is a real problem that affects real lives.

Representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the California Highway Patrol and the Sacramento Police Department will also be on hand for the assembly.

                                                                                                                                                                                
WHAT:                 The Real DUI Court in School Program
WHEN:                 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 9
WHERE:               John F. Kennedy High School
                                6715 Gloria Drive Sacramento, CA 95831