PRINCETON, N.C. - With prom a day away, a group of Johnston County high schoolers got a sobering talk about driving and safety.

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Princeton High School lost one of its own earlier this month, when 18-year old Katlyn Bell was killed in an accident.

Wednesday, the parent of another teen killed in an accident addressed Princeton juniors and seniors.

"Dear Reece," said Ricky Richardson, reading a letter to his late son. "Hey buddy. It's been almost 14 months since I saw your smiling face."

Richardson held back tears; Princeton students let them flow freely.

Reece Richardson died last January in a head on collision with his friend, Nicholas Creech.

"We've had 11 teens die in the past year [in Johnston County]," said Richardson. "My son and his best friend were the first two that started that."

Reece may have gone to a rival school, but Police asked Richardson to speak with the students, to make them understand the reality of getting behind the wheel.

"This ain't something that happens only on TV or only in the movies, but this is real life," said Wilson's Mills Police Officer G.B. Holland. "Not only is this real life, its real life in Princeton."

After he was done talking to the juniors and seniors, Richardson handed out wristbands with Reece's name on them to serve as reminders of the dangers teenagers face on the roads.

"It's going to help me. I hope it helps everybody make the right decision," said junior Danielle Mitchell.

Joecoby Inclan agreed, saying "It gives you a wake up call. Makes you realize the things going on."

Organizers of the assembly say Johnston County doesn't need any more tragedies, and they desperately hope these kids are careful.

"If my son dying has to be a part of ya'll living, so be it," said Richardson.

Alcohol was not a factor in Reece Richardson's accident or Katlyn Bell's.

Princeton High School has now lost three students in fatal accidents in the last year.