Alert and Alive is a class Chapman requires to get a parking permit.

This class teaches students the dangers of being behind the wheel and how to prevent crashing.

District 1 is currently the only district that requires students to take this class, but many people are pushing for it to become necessary for more districts.

Recently, a class was hosted on Feb. 22 in the Chapman cafeteria.

The speakers were Renee Pierce, Laurie Lee and Dennis Brown.

Pierce and Lee were victims of distracted/drunk driving and both lost someone they love. Brown lost his son due to a fatal car accident.

Pierce explained her situation and how distracted driving took her husband’s life.

Her husband, Jeff, was a fifth-grade teacher at Inman Intermediate and was killed on impact while biking — two days before their 26th wedding anniversary.

“I speak about choices you make and how they affect more than just your immediate families,” she said.

 “(She) made the choice to be talking on her phone, speeding and not paying attention to the road,” Pierce said.

Lee lost her son, who was an athlete at USC Upstate, to a DUI and speeding incident.

Three others were killed in the crash as well. 

The last speaker was Dennis Brown, a former Chapman teacher and coach.

His son was driving in the rain and took his eyes off the road for only a second, causing him to slide off the road.

This triggered a very common response, which is overcorrecting, and he crashed.

 Although he was rushed to the hospital, he did not survive.

Many people believe that since Brown was a man, he should always stay strong and not show his emotions. 

But all of that flew out the door when this happened.

 Finally, Chapman’s School Resource Officer Kyle Rios summarized the dangers and went over the safety laws.

The next class is at the Landrum High School cafeteria on March 15.

You can find more information and sign up in your email.