Taelor Ungerman misses her big brother Chase.

     “He was the greatest big brother I could have asked for,” said the Jefferson High junior during a Red Ribbon Week assembly October 23.

     Describing Chase as generous, Taelor said, “He would always let me get a first elk before him. He let me reel in his fish because he knew I never got one.”

     He was like that with everyone, she said. “You could meet him for like five minutes and he’d have an impact on your life.”

     The young man’s former teachers seconded that notion.

     “Chase was an extremely pleasant young man who was liked by all,” remembered science teacher Steve McCauley. “He was a terrific asset to the classroom and community.”

     “Chase was not an all state athlete or the valedictorian of his class. Chase was one of the most genuine kids I have ever met,” said drama teacher Linda Piccolo. “He is remembered for making people smile; he brought out the best in everyone.”

     All of that promise came to an end, though, when 21-year-old Chase Ungerman was killed ten months ago. After drinking in Montana City, he drove off the road near the Ash Grove Cement plant. Although he was talking at the accident site, he died in the ambulance on the way to Helena.

     Hoping to save other families from having to face the sadness that has visited her home, Taelor shared her story via DVD with her classmates last week. Uncertain that she could get through the tale live, she sat down, faced a video camera and opened her heart.

     “It’s hard to see my parents cry every night and see how many lives he touched,” she said.

     The house seems unbearably quiet at times, she said. “It’s weird seeing his room empty. It’s weird seeing an empty spot in the driveway.”

     “It is a big mistake when you drink and drive because it affects your family,” she told classmates, many of whom sniffled back tears.

     Also choking back emotions at the assembly was Gwenette Ungerman, Chase’s and Taelor’s mother. Interspersed with Taelor’s recorded recollections were familiar photos of the two children together, riding an ATV and smiling over other good times.    

     “I feel bad that my family has to go through this. I know Chase feels bad, too. I wish he could take it back, but he can’t,” said Taelor.

     Lots of people loved Chase, and they are left behind to suffer, she said.

     “I hope you all learn that it impacts a family a lot and it is a big mistake...Don’t make the mistake my bother did, and love all the people around you,” concluded Taelor.

     Except for the muffled sniffles, the Jefferson High gym was absolutely quiet as the DVD ended.

     After seconds that seemed like minutes, student RaeAnn Rashleigh, a junior member of the Jefferson County DUI Task Force, broke the silence to thank the Ungerman family for their courage in sharing their story. Rashleigh and fellow students Soja Giulio and Kenyan Vaughn helped organize the event.

     Ike Jesse, a representative of Mariah’s Challenge, summarized the story of a Butte family whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. She was 14 and the driver was 19 at the time. As a memorial, the family started Mariah’s Challenge, an effort to encourage young people not to get involved in drinking. Students who sign on to Mariah’s Challenge and do not get in trouble for drinking or drug use are eligible for scholarships, Jesse explained.

     “You guys have the opportunity to change the way that Boulder looks at drinking...You have the opportunity to make a difference today if you want. It’s up to you,” he said.

     As 114 of her schoolmates signed up for Mariah’s Challenge, Taelor Ungerman accepted congratulations and added one final hope.

     “I hope everybody learns from it,” she said.