Being awarded the Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship truly means so much to me. It is a great honor to be given such a prestigious award, and I am so proud of my commitment throughout the years. I am very excited to get to know the fellow recipients and represent the Lutzie 43 Foundation and all it stands for. I am delighted to be awarded this alongside these driven and hardworking young men and women. I would like to thank Mr. Mike Lutzenkirchen and the Lutzie 43 Foundation for giving me this opportunity. It has allowed me to further my education and follow my dreams.
Growing up in the Lassiter High Schoolcommunity is so special; words cannot describe the community I have built over the years. One common denominator throughout the years is Philip Lutzenkirchen’s legacy, especially being involved in sports at Lassiter, his alma mater. I specifically had the honor to be a member of the ladies lacrosse team and his legacy is extremely important to us.
Each year, we watch his video and remind ourselves of who and what we represent. Throughout my high school years, I have been involved with this foundation, beginning with an elective we had that was called “Lutzie Leadership”. This elective is what connected me to the foundation’s message and left an immense impact on my life. When Mike Lutzenkirchen came to speak to our class, it truly changed my perspective on high school and many aspects of my future. Specifically made me realize and reflect on the importance of my actions and how they impact others around me. Additionally, the adapted PE field day and Lutzie 43 Road Race have continued to grow my admiration for this community and foundation. Being connected to the Lutzie 43 Foundation for these past 4 years has influenced my life for the better and I am so grateful to now represent the foundation as a scholarship winner. I hope to inspire and influence others positively the way Mike Lutzenkirchen motivated me and my classmates.
While applying for this scholarship, one thing I learned was how immensely important the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative is. I have been driving for a couple of years now and taking a few seconds to prepare before you drive is imperative to safety. It is paramount that you are always driving with a clear head to give your full attention to driving and nothing else. It is very easy to get caught in a rush or find yourself distracted on a busy day but all it takes is one poor decision behind the wheel to destroy your life. Before applying for the PFL Scholarship and learning about the Lutzie 43 Foundation, I was naive. I am thankful I learned the core values of this foundation prior to learning to drive. Your mind and body must always be focused because not only must you watch yourself, but you need to respond and react quickly to other drivers. Never drive mad or irritated because that will always lead to poor decision making. Taking time to think steers us away from irrational choices. All it takes is 43 seconds to get focused and ready to drive. 43 seconds is what it takes to save a life and that is my biggest takeaway from this scholarship.
I played Varsity Lacrosse at Lassiter High School for four years and the lessons I have learned throughout my time will stay with me forever. The impact sports have left on my life will continue to allow me to grow and flourish in my career and future in college. Alongside sports, my family has been such a pillar in my academic and overall success in life. What draws me in to this foundation and scholarship is the value of family. The Lutzenkirchen family is such an inspiration to me and my own. Words cannot express how joyous I am to be part of something so special.
The lessons I have learned from this foundation are inspiring and motivating for college. I am so thrilled to be attending Auburn University with a major in Pre-Nursing. The qualities and attributes that Philip encompassed are directly in line with ones I hope to possess in my future, especially as a nurse. Philip was hardworking, determined, patient, honest and responsible. Many attributes I would be blessed to be considered to have. Being the youngest sibling in my family, I have seen all of these upcoming events from an audience’s perspective and now I finally get to experience them myself. I cannot wait to see where the future takes me, and it is all thanks to the Lutzie 43 Foundation for granting me this scholarship.