'CHOICES' set for third installment

During a Wednesday luncheon, representatives from various law enforcement and public service agencies from around Acadia Parish discussed this year’s production of the film “CHOICES.” The film will be shot from March 19-21.

The film, which is shown to high schools across the parish, is a realistic depiction of the aftermath of an alcohol-related, fatal car accident involving high school students and the consequences of that students can face for making a single, wrong choice. Acadia Parish high school students, their parents, first responders from Acadia Parish municipalities and other area officials portray the characters in the film.  

Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Maxine Trahan, who has spearheaded the effort since it’s inception in 2012, seems to have learned more about what is necessary for the film’s production from her experience in producing the first two.

“As in the past two years, we need students to volunteer for the roles,” said Trahan. “We are also seeking donations from concerned parish residents and businesses to help us with the cost of the film. It’s important that we know how many people will be involved so that we can know how much to spend on food, transportation, equipment and any other things are required. ”

The cost of the 2013 production was approximately $40,000. This year the production will be taped Crowley after having been filmed in Rayne the past two years. Senator Jonathan Perry will be a featured speaker during the event. Trahan is also looking for a person who has been suffered through a tragic drinking and driving accident to speak to the students about their experience when the film is being presented to high schools throughout the parish. The first presentation will be at Notre Dame High School on March 20.   

“It is our hope that the CHOICES films we make will serve as a year-long reminder to our students that just one bad decision on their parts could lead to a tragedy,” said Trahan. 

Monday’s mandatory meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Acadia Parish School Board Education Center (Old Wal-Mart), located at 2122 North Parkerson Ave. Students who are interested in playing roles in the film are required to fill out an application that they can pick up from Maxine Trahan at the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office. The phone number for the sheriff’s office is (337) 788-8700.