Drinking and driving is no laughing matter

| 24 May 2016 | 04:04

Mathew Maher is shown during his presentation to juniors and seniors at Vernon Township High School. He made his message personal as he walked up and down the aisles of the auditorium and looked students directly in their eyes.

A slide representative of MaherþÄôs new life in prison.

Vernon Township High School Principal Tim Dunnigan talks to the juniors and seniors about the program.

Mathew Maher (third from left) is shown with several of the police officers who attended the special program.

Students are shown in the audience during Mathew MaherþÄôs presentation at the high school.

VERNON — As a prelude to the junior and senior proms, on Wednesday, May 18, State Farm Insurance sponsored a speaker who learned the hard way that “Decisions Determine Destiny.”
The speaker was a Jersey boy, Mathew Maher, who at one time seemed to have it all and then some.
Maher grew up achieving and making accomplishments in nearly everything he tried. He was a well-known athlete and was active in his community. He was very smart and even earned a full scholarship to Temple University. He went on to become a professional soccer player and his life was really on track to be exceptional.
Then, one night while driving his car along with friends as passengers, the many drinks he had recently enjoyed ended up sending him off on a lengthy prison term for aggravated manslaughter, which coupled with driving under the influence, results in a mandatory prison term in New Jersey.
To this day, he is still under parole supervision, but in sharing his story, he hopes to help others avoid the results of a bad decision. Don’t drink and drive.
— Photos by Chris Wyman

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