I am thrilled and deeply honored that I have been selected as one of the recipients of the 2024 Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. This recognition means more to me than words can express—it is a validation of my efforts, a testament to my dedication, and a reminder of the legacy I am committed to upholding.

Philip Lutzenkirchen was known for his athleticism, leadership, and positive attitude, and was loved and respected by his teammates, coaches, and fans. Growing up in Auburn, Alabama I remember how the Auburn community and the entire college football world was impacted by his passing. When I was in high school, I remember Mr. Lutzenkirchen coming to speak to share Philip’s story. His ability to turn his pain into purpose was so inspiring to me, and through his willingness to share Philip’s story, Philip’s legacy has continued to inspire and impact people in various ways.

The journey towards receiving this scholarship has been transformative, marked by moments of reflection, growth, and a deepening connection to the remarkable legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen. Throughout the application process, I found myself reflecting on the values that Philip embodied, such as resilience, positivity, and a relentless commitment to serving others. His story resonated with me on a profound level, inspiring me to reflect his values in my own life and endeavors.

One of the most impactful aspects of the application process was engaging with the Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum. The lesson on Purpose from the curriculum deeply resonated with me, emphasizing the importance of having a clear sense of purpose in life. This lesson resonated with me as I pursue a master’s degree in financial planning. Rooted in a desire to serve others and make a positive impact, my academic and professional endeavors have been driven by this purpose. My career aspirations in financial planning aim to empower nonprofit organizations financially to fulfill their missions. However, I have grappled with moments of pride and selfishness, especially in my college career, where I hesitated to continue my focus on helping nonprofits due to concerns about financial stability. Reflecting on Jason Dufner’s quote, “Living life with purpose, through your faith in God, each and every day is true fulfillment,” reminded me to prioritize my sense of purpose above all else.

Before the curriculum, I already had a passion about safe driving advocacy through research I did in college. During my Junior year at Auburn University, in one of my nonprofit courses, we researched needs in our community, and I discovered that Lee County’s impaired driving deaths were 3% above the national average and 4% above the state average. This revelation particularly stuck out to me because, at that time, I had never personally known anyone involved in an impaired driving incident. Motivated by the significance of these findings, I presented the Lutzie 43 Foundation curriculum as a powerful advocacy tool, emphasizing the importance of the 43 Key Seconds safe driving checklist.

Less than six months after this presentation, the gravity of the issue became all too real, when a dear friend of mine tragically passed away in a drunk driving crash. This devastating loss shattered my previous distance from the impact of impaired driving. Suddenly the statistics I had presented were no longer numbers, but they were personal. Witnessing the impact of his loss on those around me strengthened my passion to be an advocate for safer roads. I have a deep sense of responsibility to educate others about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. My friend’s memory serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved and the need for urgent action. I believe that sharing stories, such as Philip’s and my friend’s, can be a powerful force for change.

Receiving the PFL Scholarship is not just a recognition of academic achievement—it is an invitation to carry forward Philip’s legacy, to be a positive ambassador for change in my community and beyond. It is a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly, knowing that with this honor comes the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. From advocating for safe driving practices to engaging in community outreach initiatives, I am committed to upholding the values championed by Philip and the Lutzie 43 Foundation.

As I begin this new chapter of my academic journey, pursuing my Master’s Degree in Financial Planning at the University of Georgia, I am filled with gratitude for the support of the Lutzie 43 Foundation and all those who have believed in me along the way. I am humbled by the opportunity to honor Philip’s memory and legacy, and I pledge to do so with integrity, passion, and unwavering dedication.