I’m Annie Wingate and I am honored to have been chosen as a Prepared For Life (PFL) Scholarship recipient. I am from Eufaula, Alabama, a small town on the Alabama – Georgia line. I have been an Auburn fan my whole life, and I currently to attend the school of my dreams, Auburn University. I am majoring in biomedical sciences and hope to attend medical school and then become a pediatrician.

I first heard about Philip Lutzenkirchen in my 10th grade driver’s education course when my teacher showed us a video from the Lutzie 43 Foundation . I grew up watching Auburn football so when I learned Philip was also an Auburn football player his story really stuck with me. Over the following two years, I learned more about his life and contributions off the field. His work off the field has now become what I remember most about him. Philip and I share a love for children and deep desire to see that all children are included. His work with children with special-needs inspired me to help plan a special-needs Mardi Gras Prom at my church. 

This year, I completed the Safeguarding Your Legacy curriculum and learned how to “Live like Lutz”, “Love like Lutz”, and “Learn from Lutz”. Through the curriculum, I learned more about the legacy Philip left behind. It helped me dream about the work I hope to do and the legacy I hope to build. I am currently advocating for this curriculum to be embedded into my high school’s driver’s education course. Finally, I will use my voice to advocate for Philip’s lasting legacy as I do my best to spread joy and love to everyone I meet.