My name is Kyleigh Saunders and I am from Hartford, Alabama. I am thankful to be one of the twenty recipients of this year’s Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship is truly an honor, and I am appreciative of the impact it will have on my education. This fall, I plan to attend Auburn University to start working towards my bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Ultimately, after obtaining a master’s degree, I will become a Speech Language Pathologist. My goal is to help make an impact on other individuals just as the Lutzie 43 Foundation has made on me.
The Lutzie 43 Foundation truly is changing lives by providing useful and real knowledge about the impact of distracted driving. The first time I truly understood the weight of driving was not when I received my license, but a few months earlier when Mr. Mike Lutzenkirchen visited Enterprise State Community College, where some of the students from my school attended a safe driving event and he shared his son Philip Lutzenkirchen’s story. Hearing about the 43 Key Seconds and the importance of intentionally preparing yourself every time you get behind the wheel completely changed my perspective on driving. His message left a lasting impact on me and reinforced the importance of focusing while driving, and what made the presentation interesting was that it connected safe driving practices to real human experiences. I realized that driving is not just about independence; it is about commitment, awareness, and protecting the lives entrusted to you every time you enter a vehicle. Like many young drivers, I was focused on the privileges that came with driving like being able to go where I wanted, spend time with friends, and no longer rely on others for transportation. However, Mr. Lutzenkirchen’s message helped me realize that driving is much more than a privilege; it is a serious responsibility that affects not only your own life but also the lives of everyone around you.
Throughout my application process I learned more about the importance of safe driving, Philip’s legacy, and how to live like Philip. Signing the 43 Key Seconds Pledge helped me realize how truly important it is to have a Clear Head, Clear Hands, Clear Eyes, and Click It. These four steps stood out to me because these are actions we can take before we even start driving anywhere. These few seconds allow us to remove distractions and focus our attention on the road. Having a clear head means not allowing other things such as drugs, alcohol, or emotions affect you. Driving with clear hands means putting your phone away, not adjusting the radio while driving; simple actions like that allow you to focus better. Having clear eyes means staying focused on driving and being fully aware of your surroundings rather than allowing distractions to take your attention away from driving. Finally, you can click your seatbelt and have a free distraction drive. These four simple steps can truly save someone’s life. While completing the Safeguarding Your Legacy curriculum, I learned more about Philip Lutzenkirchen and what an amazing legacy he has left and all the lives he is still impacting. Through this curriculum I learned Philip lived life to fullest in just twenty-three years; he lived a life full of promise, leadership, along with meaningful relationships. Although I never knew him personally, his legacy continues to influence how I approach both my driving and my daily life. His influence extended far beyond the football field, as he always demonstrated kindness, dedication, and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those around him. Three qualities that stand out to me are his drive, his love for others, and his strong sense of purpose. He pursued his goals with determination, cared deeply about the people around him, and lived each day with intention. These are qualities that I strive to embody in my own life. What I find most inspiring is that Philip’s legacy continues to impact countless people years after his passing. Through the work of the Lutzie 43 Foundation, his story has become a powerful source of education, motivation, and hope for drivers across the country.
I am thankful for all the ways the Lutzie 43 Foundation has made an impact on my life. From the day I heard Mr. Mike Lutzenkirchen talk about the Lutzie 43 Foundation, it has left a lasting impact on my life. I am excited to help represent this foundation as an ambassador for the next four years and to help promote saving lives by spreading the importance of safe driving. Spreading the message saves lives and keeps the important memory of Philip in the forefront of communities. Hopefully, we can all Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz.