Tony’s Promise message delivered at D’arcy

Friday, May 25 was an emotional day at D’Arcy McGee High School. Over 100 graduating students heard the story of Tony’s Promise. A promise made by Anthony “Tony” McColl to his parents that he would never drink and drive. He kept that promise. On the night of April 16, 2011, Tony was the designated driver at a house party in the Pontiac.  He was tasked with driving his sister Alanna home safely. Ironically the car was full by the time Alanna was ready to leave, so Tony gave her some money to pitch in for a waiting taxi. On his way home with the car full of party-goers, he was hit head on by an impaired driver being chased by police. Both Tony and the other driver were killed instantly, and the occupants of Tony’s car were seriously hurt.

For six years, Tony’s dad David McColl, has presented the message of the dangers of impaired driving in high schools in the Western Quebec School Board. His message is one of grief, loss and how planning ahead can ensure others don’t have to live the pain of losing a loved one.

The presentation was developed by D’Arcy students who were at the party that night. It engages the audience with graphic descriptions of the crash and of the funeral. Two of the young women who were in the car that night, along with Tony’s sister, Alanna, accompanied McColl on Friday and answered questions related to their injuries and life after the tragedy.