Credeur presents ‘Choices 2014’ to Rotary Club

In its final meeting before the Rotary Club of Crowley will pass the torch of leadership to a new set of officers, the club saw the presentation of “Choices 2014” and were once again impressed.

The program, in its third year, has grown each year and continues to incorporate real-life dangers for teenage drivers locally and nationally and shows the many devastating effects that one ill-advised “choice” can make.

Presenting the video to the Rotary Club was Allen “Noochie” Credeur, a member of the Rayne Police Department and one of the coordinators of the annual filming.

The 2014 edition has not only been seen by high school students across the parish, but businesses, organizations and now Acadiana at-large, thanks to its airing on KLFY.

“It’s unbelievable how much it affected not only people in Acadia, but all of Acadiana,” he said.

Providing a little behind-the-scenes background, Credeur pointed out that one of the participants actually almost had to be pulled at the last minute due to a baseball game he was set to play in. However, both teams opted for an earlier start to allow the student to participate in both.

He also had high praise for Acadian Ambulance, for not only promising the participation of AirMed this year, but helping deliver as both the Lafayette and Lake Charles helicopters were called out to accidents moments before they were set to arrive.

Credeur explained that Alexandria’s AirMed was offered up to be able to participate.

The weather was also once again a factor, providing more realism, but definitely a lack of comfort for all involved. Shot at night this year, Choices ended up filming in the freezing cold and rain.

In the film, just as was the case in last year’s film, the full timeline of events was explored. From a party with underage drinking to the accident scene, to the hospital and police booking and finally the funerals and courtroom.

However it was not just a criminal case depicted. After the deaths of two students — a male and a female — two separate criminal proceedings occurred, one for underage drinking and driving and another for texting while driving.

There was also a civil matter as a wrongful death lawsuit against the party host parent was depicted in the film.

For Credeur and all involved, the message continues to be the push to save lives, and while all of the high school students who participated had their own reasons, for some the cause was personal, adding to the genuine emotions all brought to filming.

Credeur explained that Maxine Trahan with the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office has already selected a date for the 2015 edition and planning is already under way. The program coordinators are currently looking for suggestions to help make 2015 just as good, if not better, than its 2014 counterpart.

For those who have missed the Choices 2014 airing, the over 27 minute-long film is on YouTube and the group is still presenting the video at businesses and meetings when requested.