I am so excited and deeply honored to be a recipient of the 2025 Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. Winning this scholarship is a testament to my dedication, as well as a validation of all of my efforts. It will be a help to fund my future endeavors at Auburn University, and most importantly, winning this scholarship with serve as an opportunity to honor Philip Lutzenkirchen’s legacy and uphold the Lutzie 43 Foundation’s commitment to promoting safe driving.
As a lifelong fan of Auburn and Philip Lutzenkirchen, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship that was so near and dear to my heart. I can vividly remember finding out about Philip’s crash as we stopped to eat during a family trip, and the somber ride home. As a seven year old, this made an indelible impact on my life. Philip Lutzenkirchen was known as a phenomenal tight end at Auburn University, holding many notable records and accomplishments. Off the field, Philip was known for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to helping others. His life and legacy serve as a huge inspiration to me as well as many others.
Throughout the PFL Scholarship application process, I spent much of my time reflecting upon the life and lessons of Philip Lutzenkirchen, as well as making connections to my personal life. Two years after Philip’s heartbreaking crash, tragedy struck my hometown when my mom lost her best friend due to an impaired driver. I experienced firsthand how vastly affected a community is after an accident like that. Because of this, Philip Lutzenkirchen’s story deeply resonates with me, and I have made a commitment to reflect his life and values in my own life and future endeavors.
Two of the key components of the Lutzie 43 Foundation are the 43 Key Seconds Safe Driving Checklist and the Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum. These aspects of the application process are what made me realize that this was not like every other scholarship I had applied for. This foundation and the community surrounding it was something that I was dedicated to becoming a part of. The Safeguarding Your Legacy course was both informative and inspiring. After completing the curriculum, I encouraged those around me to also take advantage of the learning opportunities that it offers. This course is centered around 13 key words that are attached to lessons that we can learn from Philip. While each of the 13 chapters were equally influential, the key word and lesson that resonated the most with me was Leadership. Philip Lutzenkirchen embodied this characteristic, as he not only led his team in receptions among the tight ends and touchdown receptions, but also led by example and always did what was best for his team regardless of his personal feelings. Additionally, I would like to mention the key word Purpose, and what it taught me about Philip Lutzenkirchen. Philip seemed to have found his purpose in touching the lives of others, and not just by playing football. Most of Philip’s impact came from being a great teammate, friend, and person. When completing the 43 Seconds Checklist, the “Clear Head” element stuck out as the most important to me. Roughly 32% of car accident fatalities involve intoxicated drivers. This means that of the 11,000 estimated car accidents that happen each year in the United States, over 3,000 could have been avoided if those impaired drivers made the decision to not get behind the wheel. I strive to teach my family, friends, and other members of my community about all that I have learned from Lutzie. I strive to uphold the same values that Philip Lutzenkirchen had, and to also continue to live out his legacy in my community.
I am deeply inspired by the Lutzenkirchen family, and their commitment to share the story of Philip as well as to do everything in their power to prevent impaired driving. They took a heartbreaking tragedy and turned it into something so impactful and inspiring. The Lutzie 43 Foundation is so important and will continue to inspire and protect young drivers and passengers. I have no doubt that countless young lives have been saved as a result of this important work. It is an absolute honor and privilege to be an ambassador for this incredible community, and to be given this platform. I am grateful for the knowledge I have received throughout this process, and I am dedicated to take it with me to Auburn University and throughout the rest of my life. I can not wait to continue to honor Philip and his legacy through this foundation. War Eagle!