My name is Ava Mahoney, and I am honored to be part of the 2022 Prepared For Life (PFL) Scholarship class. I was pretty young when I first met Philip. My memories of him are family-related because our moms were college roommates and are still dear friends. Living in Buffalo, New York, our families would get together when we would visit my grandparents down in Atlanta, Georgia. My siblings and I were much younger than the Lutzenkirchen siblings, but I remember that Philip and his sisters always made time for us when we were in town.  As we all got older and Philip was playing football at Auburn, it was always so fun to catch a televised game and watch  “Mike and Mary’s son” become a household name to football fans across the country.  I always admired Philip and his family. There was something special about them, and it made me want to be special too.

During the application process and as I went through the curriculum, I was overwhelmed by the words I read about who Philip was and how he treated others. The lessons struck a cord with me and I now keep key words from the curriculum on my computer as a reminder of who I am, and that I can make a difference. These lessons on Philip’s life and legacy are something I truly believe everyone should read, especially my peers and fellow students.

Fast forward to my senior year in high school, where Mr. Lutzenkirchen came to speak at my school in Buffalo, New York. I learned of the PFL Scholarship and it struck a cord with me. In my school, there are several scholarship application opportunities for graduating seniors, but I only applied to two because they each meant something to me. The PFL scholarship was one that stuck out like any other because it is a scholarship based on one’s character and habits as a safe driver.

I am extremely thankful for the Lutzie 43 Foundation. I know they read many compelling applications from students across the country that deserve this honor. To be chosen as someone who can be an “ambassador of good” like Philip, means so much to me. The Lutzie 43 Key Seconds key and lanyard in my car reminds me every day that I have an opportunity to do good in this world. I will do my best to continue to spread the message of Philip and the Lutzie 43 Foundation as I begin my freshman year at Purdue University this fall.