Landrum and Chapman High School students to attend Alive at 25 driver education course
By Claire Sachse
claire.sachse@tryondailybulletin.com

When Landrum High School lost Jordan Skyler Powell, a star athlete and cherished friend on Jan. 21 in a car wreck on his way to school, his school community immediately found a way to honor him and to try to make sense out of an unbelievable tragedy. The hashtag #TakeTen went viral that day, playing on Powell’s football jersey number but also as a reminder to take a little extra time to get where you’re going and to observe driver safety precautions.

 

From the tragedy and the online movement, a partnership was forged between Spartanburg District 1 Schools, State Farm Insurance and the National Safety Council, and announced at a press conference Wednesday morning. The partnership allows for 600 students at Landrum and Chapman High Schools to attend Alive at 25, a 4.5-hour driver’s education workshop to be held in April for Landrum students and in May for Chapman students.

 

According to Brooke Russell, executive director with the S.C. National Safety Council, the program is designed to examine the behaviors of safe driving and to encourage students to make good choices even before they start the engine.

 

Referring to 15, 16 and 17 year old drivers, Russell said, “Every decision they make affects their families, loved ones and community. This is so much more than a driving program. It addresses good and bad consequences. Which are you going to choose? And it’s a way for young people to ask questions.”

 

Inman Police Chief Keith Tucker is certified to teach the class and he said that students will watch videos about how tragedies affect the families and survivors of accidents.

 

Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright said that a student’s death “doesn’t just affect the family – it affects everyone around them.” The partnership, he added, “is a huge step toward protecting our young people.”

 

Powell’s parents, Tammy and Jonathan, were on stage with dozens of law enforcement and school officials, civic, government and student leaders, clergy and booster club representatives. Tammy Powell wiped away tears as Wright spoke of lifting her family up in prayer, and challenging the community to #TakeTen for Tyler.

 

“I never wanted to be in this position,” said Tammy Powell, “but if Skyler can help save lives, it’s worth it. It’s hard to talk about, but it’s like Skyler’s here with me pushing me to do this.”

 

#TakeTen, she said, is a daily commitment to do things like fasten your seatbelt, avoid texting while driving, and to allow extra time to reach your destination.

 

It’s also a reminder, as Ron Garner, superintendent of Spartanburg County School District One said, to take a few extra minutes “to tell someone you love them.”