Oak Glen High School doesn't have the opportunity to host many programs throughout the year, but when they do, they sure know how to make an impact. More than 100 students and teachers gathered in the school's theatre Thursday afternoon to listen to one of the most traveled programs in the Ohio Valley - Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose. Members from the Moundsville personal injury law firm of Gold, Khourey & Turak, the Wheeling Nailers, and the Hancock Sheriff's Department were on hand to discuss the legal, personal, and financial consequences of drinking and driving.

Gold, Khourey & Turak attorney, Chris Turak, quizzed the students on the legal consequences of drinking and driving. Students who participated in the discussions were awarded one of a variety of prizes which included mouse pads, NASCAR memorabilia, t-shirts, hockey tickets and more. At the conclusion of his informal segment, Turak offered some advice to the students. "If you injure someone while drinking and driving, it will stay with you the rest of your life. Whatever you do, wherever you go, you will always be overshadowed by the choice you've made." Turak concludes, "That should be enough to make you think twice and to make the safe decision to not drink and drive."

Hancock County Deputy Sheriff, Jeff Bland, filled in for 1st Sgt. John Gruzinskas of the West Virginia State Police and took the students through the rigors of an actual D.U.I. arrest. With the use of "Fatal Vision Goggles," student Patrick Vulgamore simulated being intoxicated and was taken through a variety of field sobriety tests by Officer Bland. After failing the first of several tests, Vulgamore was "arrested" and "off" to jail. "A lot of people think they can pass these tests and trick the machine," said Bland. "I tell you, if they are lucky enough to pass the field sobriety tests, unlike Patrick, they are not going to trick the machine." Bland offered, "The best solution is to not drink and drive, it's that simple."

Wheeling Nailers Doug Schmidt and Eddie Pershin echoed the words of Turak and Bland. "In Russia, like in the U.S.," said Pershin. "If you have any measurable amount of alcohol in your system, you are considered driving under the influence." Pershin continued, "Getting a D.U.I. eliminates many opportunities and sets in motion a series of problems that will stick with you the rest of your life. My hope is that what we have shared with you today will help you make the safe decision to not drink and drive."

At the conclusion of the program, Oak Glen student Courtney Foltz was selected the Booze Buster Quiz winner and awarded a t-shirt, mouse pad, Penguins hat, and 4 tickets to a Nailers game. Courtney was chosen by her classmates for her outstanding leadership and work ethic.

For more information on the Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program, please contact the law firm of Gold, Khourey & Turak at (304) 845-9750.