Park City High School's Docudrama Sends Powerful Message Ahead of Prom and Graduation

Park City, Utah – Today, May 30, 2025, just one week before graduation and the day before prom, Park City High School’s Class of 2025 participated in the school’s annual Docudrama, an emotional and realistic simulation of a DUI car crash that highlights the devastating consequences of drinking and driving. The event was made possible through collaboration with Park City Police, Park City Fire District, and the University of Utah's Life Flight team, who brought the scene to life with a full-scale emergency response, including a medical helicopter evacuation.

The simulated crash involved student actors and depicted the tragic death of Amelia Abbett, a Park City High School senior. The event included flashing emergency lights, a DUI arrest, and a symbolic Life Flight rescue. However, it was the memorial service that served as the imagined funeral for Amelia that left the deepest impact.

Kim Abbett, Amelia’s mother, participated in the simulation by delivering a scripted speech as if she had lost her daughter. Her performance, though fictional, was deeply emotional and personal, moving the audience to silence. She described Amelia as a fearless adventurer, a gifted musician, and a young woman with a bright future. Amelia had planned to attend the University of Alabama in the fall to study public health and music. 

“There are six of us in this family. There will now be five,” Kim said. “She had her whole life ahead of her, and now none of those things will happen because she chose to do the wrong thing.”

Park City High School Principal Roger Arbabi closed the program with a heartfelt message to his seniors:

“I've been in high schools for 31 years, said Arbabi. “I've also had to go to funerals of students who made poor decisions. Please be careful. Please be safe. That’s not how I want to say goodbye to you.”

Sergeant Kacey Comer of the Park City Police Department also shared stories from his time in law enforcement, including responding to DUI-related crashes and the personal loss of someone he loved in a car accident.

“Don't let one mistake end everything you've worked so hard for, said Sgt. Comer. “I’ve seen too many young lives cut short, and too many families shattered, all because someone thought it ‘wouldn’t happen to them.’ It can. It does. And the consequences last forever. Be the friend who speaks up, who takes the keys, who calls for help. Make the choice to live, fully and safely.”

The Docudrama is more than a warning. It is a plea to make smart choices. Students were reminded to look out for one another, speak up, and never hesitate to ask for a safe ride home.

As one student said, “It’s never shameful to walk out of a party or ask for a ride from someone who’s sober. It keeps you safe. Life is short, and yours shouldn't end before you’ve truly lived it.”

Park City School District encourages all students to celebrate prom and graduation with safety in mind.  If you or a friend ever feel unsafe or need a ride, don’t hesitate to call a parent, ask a trusted adult, or use a ride-share service.  One smart choice can save a life.  Let’s make this season memorable and end the year strong.