I am incredibly honored to be a 2024 recipient of the Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. Being awarded this scholarship will help to fund my future endeavors at Auburn University. It will also serve as an opportunity to honor Philip Lutzenkirchen’s legacy and uphold the Lutzie 43 Foundation’s commitment to promoting safe driving. Throughout the PFL Scholarship application process, I was able to learn more about Philip’s life, how to live like Philip, and what it means to truly be a safe driver and passenger. 

I have been blessed to grow up spending most of my summers at Lake Martin in Alabama. Lake Martin is commonly known for its big jumping rock named Chimney Rock. Across the face of this rock is a large “43 LUTZ” spray painted in vibrant orange and blue. I have also grown up as an Auburn fan, so I have heard and seen Philip’s number and name for most of my life. But I never got deeper than “he was an Auburn Football player who passed away in a car accident.” It wasn’t until completing the Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum that I was able to fully understand the amazing person that Philip was and the large impact that he left on so many. Through this course, I was able to learn about Philip’s accomplishments, and his greatest traits, and ultimately learn from his mistakes. 

Philip had many admirable qualities, but the one that stuck with me the most was his resilience. When faced with adversity, it is so easy to give up, but Philip always did the opposite. After his football injury in college, not only did he use his off time to be a team captain from the sideline, but he also decided to use his knowledge to benefit others through coaching high school football. During my senior year of high school, I came into contact with many hardships. Remembering the resilience Philip displayed and the firm faith he held has helped me to do the same. I have many ambitions in life, much like Philip did, so I look up to him to gain strength and resilience to get through the long and work-filled days this busy season holds. Philip’s legacy has taught me not to back down from my goals, and that adaptation is necessary when facing the unexpected. 

The Lutzie 43 Foundation has an amazing mission, and I am proud to say that I have signed the 43 Key Seconds Safe Driving Pledge. Upon signing this pledge, I first took the time to learn about the checklist that the Lutzie 43 Foundation has created. In four simple steps, the checklist reads, Clear Head, Clear Hands, Clear Eyes, Click It. Before learning about this checklist, I thought of safe driving as just ensuring every driver behind the wheel was not intoxicated in any way, but this checklist takes it further. I have learned that having a clear head is more than sobriety, it also encompasses emotional stability; Clear hands is more than just texting, it is also changing the radio station or any distraction that takes your hands off of the wheel; Clear eyes is more than ensuring good eyesight, it is also keeping your eyes on the road instead of your passengers; All of these steps should be completed before clicking your seatbelt and starting your car. If everyone followed these simple steps, it would save so many lives. Since learning about this checklist, I have made it a routine each time I enter my vehicle. It has also caused me to be a better passenger because I am aware of the distraction that I may be to the driver. With my new knowledge, I can teach my friends and family the importance of taking time to check off each item on the list to be safe drivers and passengers.

I admire Philip’s family for taking such a tragic event and using it as an opportunity to help others from getting into the same situation that Philip did. I feel that being a recipient of this scholarship now gives me a platform to also help others. I was able to learn so much through this scholarship process, and I plan to take my knowledge with me to spread awareness to my peers at Auburn University. I look forward to participating in the various activities and events organized by the Lutzie 43 Foundation. Philip’s life will always be remembered, and I hope to be a light and leave an impact on others just as he did. I am so excited to honor Philip and his legacy alongside the Lutzie 43 Foundation. War Eagle!