By David Eck
Enquirer contributor

Jeff Yalden, a motivational speaker, takes his turn during the daylong seminar. He spoke of how choices made today affect the rest of one's life. (Michael E. Keating photos) | ZOOM |

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP - The three mothers stood shoulder to shoulder as they tearfully talked about the tragic bond they share.

Each of the women - Kathy McRoberts, Tammy Polley and Kim Schnelle - lost a child Aug. 12 in a single-car crash in Clinton County that killed four teens.

The women shared their stories before 850 students from Amelia and Glen Este high schools Wednesday as part an annual program in Clermont County.

Through the pain was a simple, poignant message: Be responsible behind the wheel.

Mrs. McRoberts read poems that her 16-year-old daughter, Jennifer, had written.

Mrs. Schnelle, whose 17-year-old daughter, Tasha, was killed, told students that one moment of horsing around isn't worth a life.

Mothers of auto accident victims, Kathy McRoberts (left), Kim Schnelle and Tammy Polley speak to West Clermont students Wednesday. Their children - Jennifer McRoberts, Tasha Schnelle and Jesse King - were killed, along with Lester Smith, in August. | ZOOM |

Mrs. Polley talked about how badly she misses her son, Jesse King. He would have been a high school junior this year.

"Some stupid act took them from us,'' Mrs. Polley said. "A car is not a toy. It is not a game. Be responsible for yourself and whoever else is in the car.''

The audience of teens was hushed as each woman spoke.

"It made you think twice about goofing around in a car,'' said Lauren Cropper, a sophomore at Amelia High. "You never know what can happen.''

The August crash also killed Lester Smith of Loveland. The four were among six Goshen High students on their way to Monroe Falls for a swim when their car went off a rural road and hit a fencepost and a tree. The four teens in the back seat were not wearing seat belts and were killed.

The driver and front-seat passenger, both of whom were buckled up, received minor injuries.

Clinton County prosecutors earlier this week charged that passenger, a 17-year-old Loveland boy, with four juvenile counts of reckless homicide.

Wednesday's daylong event at the Starlite Ballroom kicked off the 15th annual Operation Zero safe driving awards. The program, sponsored by the Union Township Kiwanis Club in cooperation with schools, police agencies and businesses, gives away a new car to a Glen Este or Amelia senior who demonstrates safe, responsible driving habits and has strong attendance at school.

Students can collect points throughout the year to increase their chances of winning the car, which will be given away in May.

"We're here to help them make the proper choices while they're out there driving,'' said Bob Grethel, a member of Kiwanis Club who has been involved in Operation Zero since it began. "If we only help one or two kids, it's worth it.''

E-mail daveck@fuse.net