Carrying a Legacy: What Winning the PFL Scholarship Means to Me
I’m honored and humbled that I have been selected as a recipient of the Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. Winning this scholarship is about so much more than financial assistance; it represents a commitment to a legacy, a lifestyle, and a responsibility to protect lives through safe driving.
This scholarship is rooted in a mission that hits close to home. It asks us to take 43 Key Seconds to make smart and safe choices before driving. It asks us to speak up for ourselves and others. It asks us to be bold and humble leaders, like Philip Lutzenkirchen was. Being chosen to represent his legacy is a responsibility I accept with deep gratitude and resolve.
Remembering Philip
I first met Philip as a young Auburn fan. He didn’t know who I was, but he treated me like I mattered. That simple kindness left a mark on me. He was the kind of person who made you feel like you belonged. As I got older, I began to understand that his leadership extended far beyond football. Philip was humble, selfless, and led by example.
His tragic passing in 2014 was a heartbreaking moment for the Auburn community and beyond. But out of that loss, his family built something powerful—a foundation that honors his memory by preventing others from making the same mistakes that led to his death. The Lutzie 43 Foundation and its message around the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative has inspired countless people to change how they approach driving. I’m one of them.
The 43 Key Seconds That Can Save a Life
If you’ve never heard of the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative, let me introduce you. It’s a simple but powerful concept: before starting your car, take 43 seconds to ensure you’re ready to drive safely. That includes having a Clear Head, Clear Hands, Clear Eyes and to Click It! But for me, some important parts of this checklist include:
- Buckle up
- Put your phone away
- Adjust your seat and mirrors
- Check your surroundings
These might seem like small steps, but they can be the difference between life and death. Philip’s crash involved impaired and distracted driving. His story is a reminder that no one, no matter how strong, talented, or loved, is invincible when it comes to poor driving choices. This checklist is a call to action, not just for drivers, but for everyone who rides in a vehicle. We all have a role to play.
Lessons Learned During the Application Process
Going through the PFL Scholarship application process made me think deeply about how I approach driving and leadership. I realized that safe driving isn’t just about what I do behind the wheel; it’s also about how I influence others. It means checking my own habits, eliminating distractions, and making sure my passengers are buckled and safe. But more than that, it means having the courage to speak up when something isn’t right, whether I’m the driver or not.
The process pushed me to evaluate not only how I drive, but how I live. Am I the kind of person who leads quietly, who puts others before myself, who takes responsibility for more than just my own actions? These are the qualities that Philip modeled, and they are the qualities I aspire to live out every day.
Honoring Philip’s Legacy in My Community
One of the things that makes this scholarship so special is that it’s not just a reward—it’s a mission. Philip Lutzenkirchen was known for his humility, his work ethic, and his heart for others. In my school, my teams, and my community, I will continue to honor that legacy by being the kind of leader who speaks up for what’s right and sets the tone for others. Whether it’s reminding my friends to put their phones away before driving or encouraging younger students to buckle up, I plan to lead by example. It doesn’t take a grand gesture to make a big impact. Sometimes, all it takes is 43 seconds.
Paying It Forward as a PFL Scholarship Winner & Ambassador
As a PFL Scholarship winner and ambassador, I now carry the responsibility and the privilege of paying this gift forward. I plan to use my platform to share the message of safe driving, especially with younger students. I want them to understand that driving is a responsibility, not a right. I want them to understand that one bad decision can change everything—not just for them, but for the people who love them.
I hope to speak at schools and community events, encouraging others to take those 43 key seconds seriously. I hope to mentor and listen, just like Philip did for so many. If I can reach even one person and help them make a better choice, I will consider that a success.
A Legacy Worth Fighting For
Philip’s death was a tragedy. But his life, and the way his family has chosen to honor it, is a powerful example of how purpose can rise out of pain. He wasn’t just an athlete. He was a leader. He was a brother and a son. He was someone who made others feel seen. That’s the kind of person I want to be.
This scholarship has changed how I see the road. It’s changed how I see leadership. And it’s changed how I understand the ripple effect of my choices. I will never take that lightly. To the Lutzenkirchen family and the Foundation: thank you for this incredible honor. I promise to carry Philip’s legacy with humility, action, and heart.
Every drive. Every choice. Every second. It matters.