By Carla Kolbe

Express Editor

NORTHVILLE - Students at Northville Central School listened intently last Friday afternoon, as the family of Alex Brown, a 17 year old young woman who was killed while texting and driving, spoke to them on a level they could relate to.

Openly giving a play by play of the events leading to their daughters death, Jeanne and Johnny Mac Brown, along with their daughter Katrina, shared a candid perspective of losing Alex two years ago in Texas.

Speaking from a mother, father, and siblings point of view, the family informed the students of the statistics, the likelihood of being 24 times more apt to get in an accident, the cost mentally and financially, and heartbreak distracted driving can bring to their friends and families.

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, partnering with Fulton-Montgomery Community College Foundation and Frontier Communications were responsible for bringing the Brown family to the area to deliver the important message to area youths.

Nathan Littauer Public Relations Director Cheryl McGrattan said it was a labor of love and “shear tenacity” that brought the Brown family to the area.

“Their message is so important for everyone to hear” said McGratten.”We were so thrilled when they agreed to visit.”

It was the first time the Brown’s did so many appearances in one short trip. Never being to upstate New York, the Browns were impressed with the area and warm reception, and happy to have shared their story here.

Northville Central School teacher James Long had done a program last year using algebra and physics to reenact accidents, using Alex Brown’s story as an example.

“It was probably the most interesting classes I’ve ever taught, with real information the students could understand” said Long. He would meet the Brown family in person who thanked him for helping to get the word out about distracted driving.

Following the assembly, NCS students were asked if they would like to sign a pledge to themselves to never use their cell phone, or text and drive. Students swarmed the stage to sign.

The school is also selling thumb band reminders to not text and drive, with proceeds going to the national organization called Remembering Alex Brown (R.A.B.) which was created in Alex’s memory by her family.

Jeanne Brown quoted one of her late daughter’s My Space entries saying “I plan on changing this world, or I’m going to die trying.” Jeanie admits, Alex is changing the world, but never in the way she had expected, nor hoped.