Discover Fauquier
May 2026
15
With the highly anticipated
Fauquier High School (FHS)
prom fast approaching on April
25, the FHS Youth of Virginia
Speak Out about Traffic Safety
(YOVASO) Club took a bold
step to ensure student safety
remains the top priority. Under
the leadership of faculty
sponsor Cathy Gillespie, the
club--including student event
planners Olivia, Lily, Joel,
Simona, Maddie, Dane,
Maddy, Sarah, and Will--organized a
gripping Mock Crash event that
brought the school community face-
to -face with the life -altering
consequences of reckless driving.
Approximately 300 juniors and
seniors gathered to witness the vivid
presentation, which was made
possible through a massive
multi-agency collaboration.
Participants included Fauquier
C ount y Fire & Resc ue,
Warrenton Volunteer Fire
Department, Fauquier County
Sheriff's Office, and PHI
Transport.
The simulation provided a visceral
look at the aftermath of driving under
the influence, speeding, texting while
driving, and the failure to wear
seatbelts. The emotional weight of
the presentation was palpable,
moving students, faculty, parents, and
guests to tears as they confronted the
reality of traffic tragedies common in
the region.
Fauquier High School holds the
distinction of being the first in the
county to establish a YOVASO
chapter. Since its inception, this peer-
driven organization has been a force
for good, hosting campaigns that
encourage safe habits among high
school students.
The event's success is thanks to
countless volunteer hours and
the unwavering support of key
mentors and partners, including
Cathy Gillespie and her daughter
Katrina; Carmen Rivera of State
Farm, a local business sponsor
and YOVASO Advisory Council
member; FHS administration; and
local emergency response agencies.
As FHS students prepare for their
milestone celebration on April 25, the
Y O VA S O C l u b ' s y e a r - l o n g
commitment serves as a vital
reminder: one responsible decision
can save a lifetime of memories.
A Sobering Reality: FHS YOVASO Hosts
Powerful Mock Crash Ahead of 2026 Prom
~ Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire