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Former BP teacher tells his story of daughter killed by drunk driver

Steele County Times - Staff Photo - Create Article
Former Blooming Prairie High School teacher Roger Sorenson spoke about being safe at prom time to BPHS students in grades 10-12. His daughter was killed by a drunk driver 35 years ago. Photos of the crash were placed next to the podium when Sorenson spoke. Staff photo by Howard Lestrud
By
Howard Lestrud, Contributing Writer

"You people are all very precious," former Blooming Prairie teacher Roger Sorenson told Blooming Prairie High school students as they prepared to celebrate prom.

Sorenson was asked to speak to high school students for the purpose of emphasizing that they be safe during the time of prom.

He spoke to 180 students last Friday afternoon in the high school gymnasium, the day before many were planning to go to prom.

Sorenson's daughter, Kelly Jo, was killed by a drunk driver 35 years ago. She was 19.

Sorenson is a former Blooming Prairie English and history teacher. His wife Joanne is a registered nurse. They also have a son Jeff.

Before Sorenson took to the podium, student Abby Smith read a poem about the tragedy that was duplicated earlier in the day. She addressed it to her mom. Smith was a crash victim.

Four uniformed Blooming Prairie police officers entered the gym with senior Melanie Winzenburg.

She was the driver of a car that caused two deaths. She was in handcuffs and shackled at the ankles. This was real simulation.

City Attorney Jason Iacavino addressed the crowd telling students what the consequences would be after being convicted of drunk driving.

He outlined five counts against her. "Drunk driving has its consequences," Iacovino told the audience. He said Winzenburg could be sentenced to 10 years in prison with a $20,000 fine for each victim.

"I have a story to tell and it will not be easy," Sorenson said, adding  this was the first time he had been asked to speak to high school students.

He has spoken to MADD Impact Panel groups where those convicted of drunken driving are required to listen to statements from family members of victims of drunk drivers.

Sorenson said his daughter Kelly Jo was full of life, loved golf and music. "Kelly had so much to offer," Sorenson said. "Now, we had to plan a funeral.”

On June 19, 1984, many lives were changed. That's when Kelly Jo was riding in an automobile that was struck by a car driven by a drunk driver. Photos of the crash were placed on two chairs next to Sorenson.

"We heard our door bell ring at 4:30 in the morning," recalls Sorenson. It was a Minnesota State Patrol trooper informing Sorenson that his daughter was killed in a car crash.

Sorenson said the drunk driver "left an empty spot in our family." Kelly's friend, the driver, was critically injured. The drunk driver survived. He was arrested for DWI four years later.

 

Frustrated by the court system, Sorenson said the drunk driver received a light sentence.

Two things might happen if you drink and drive, Sorenson said. "You might be killed and you might kill someone," he said.

"Use good judgment and make good choices," Sorenson urges. He said with prom and graduation on the horizon, there will be parties. "Use wisdom when going to these parties.”

"I wish you a happy, safe life," Sorenson told the students in conclusion.

His presentation was greeted by loud applause. Many students also approached Sorenson and thanked him for speaking to them about being safe.

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