On Friday, February 8, U.S. Congresswoman Diana DeGette will visit both John F. Kennedy Jr. and Abraham Lincoln high schools with a message about driving while intoxicated.

Congresswoman DeGette will present Brandon Silveria, who will speak to a small gathering at John F. Kennedy Jr. High School and later to the entire student body at Abraham Lincoln High School. The visit at John F. Kennedy Jr. High School (2855 S. Lamar Street) will take place beginning at 8:25 a.m. in the Communications Center, Room 140, where Brandon will speak to student government leaders and psychology class. The assembly at Abraham Lincoln will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the school, 2285 S. Federal Blvd.

Shortly before his high school prom at Los Gatos High School in California, 17-year-old Brandon Silveria was involved in a near fatal crash after drinking a couple beers at a high school party. After a coma lasting nearly three months, Brandon endured another three years of painful rehabilitation. Brandon and his father Tony now tour America's high schools full-time on behalf of The Century Council, a group funded by distillers to promote responsible decision-making regarding alcohol.

Despite his permanent and visible speech and walking disabilities, Brandon delivers a compelling message to teens about the dangers of drinking and driving. Brandon's proactive efforts to educate teens and encourage responsible decisions were recognized by former President Clinton.

For more information about either visit, please call John F. Kennedy Jr. High School at 303-763-4300, or Abraham Lincoln High School at 303-727-5000.