In early May, Grade 9 students from across St. Paul Education participated in an impactful injury prevention event designed to help youth understand the real-life consequences of risky behaviours.

Students from Elk Point, Ashmont, Mallaig, and St. Paul schools attended the Choices event organized by the Together We’re Better Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) program, in collaboration with a wide range of local organizations. The events featured a realistic mock collision scene, breakout sessions on topics such as impaired driving and peer influence, and a keynote presentation by inspirational speaker Allan Kehler. Kehler shared a powerful message focused on mental health, resilience, and wellness, offering practical strategies for managing stress and navigating difficult emotions.

To enhance realism of the mock collison, a scripted 911 call was placed as part of the presentation, with emergency services responding in real time. The scene involved actual first responders—paramedics, firefighters, and RCMP officers—arriving with lights and sirens, assessing "victims," and demonstrating life-saving interventions. The entire simulation was carefully coordinated in advance to create an immersive experience that allowed students to feel the urgency, confusion, and emotional weight of such an incident.

“The impacts of driving impaired and the reality of what happens” was something that Grade 9 student, Emberlie Anderson, said would “stick with her” from the program. Jaedyn Duchesneau, another Grade 9 student, added “I realized how many people are so greatly affected by a choice made by ONE person.”

The Division also recognizes and appreciates the efforts of Two Hills FCSS and Two Hills and Area Victim Services for organizing a similar program for students at schools in Two Hills and Myrnam. These collaborative efforts ensured that students across the region had access to this important learning opportunity.

“These events give students a chance to witness the reality of their choices in a powerful, memorable way,” said Lily Belland, MHCB Program Manager. “They also highlight the incredible dedication of our community partners, who continue to show up and invest in the wellbeing of our youth. We couldn’t do this without them.”

Together We’re Better has proudly coordinated the Choices event for the past three years, helping to build safer communities through education and collaboration.

The Together We’re Better team extends heartfelt thanks to all who made this year’s events possible, including: Medavie Health Services West (St. Paul), St. Paul Fire Department, BPK Auto & Truck Parts, Beautiful You - Anne Caouette, St. Paul Regional High School, the Family School Liaison Worker Program, Elk Point Subway, MADD Canada, RCMP, Dragonfly Centre, Native Counselling Services, Demeria Memorial Fund, Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel, St. Paul Municipal Library, and St. Paul Regional FCSS.

Together, we’re helping youth make informed, safer choices—one powerful experience at a time.