My name is Taylor Potts, and I am overwhelmingly honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Lutzie 43 Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship. There are truly no words to express the depth of what this means to me.
My earliest memories of Philip Lutzenkirchen, outside of Jordan-Hare and the Loveliest Village on the Plains, take me back to my alma mater, Saint James School. Philip was an assistant coach with our varsity football team. Even as a 5th grader, I remember we were all so excited and starstruck. I mean – THE Philip Lutzenkirchen was coaching OUR football team!
When I heard the tragic news of Philip’s passing, I, like so many others, was devastated. I felt the emotions of Philip’s family that day and every day since. Unfortunately, my family knows all too well the lasting effects of impaired driving: my mom grew up without her cousin and I never got to meet my dad’s brother. I know the daily holes that are left. Missing birthdays, phone calls, too much to name.
While I was in high school, Mr. Lutzenkirchen came to speak and shared about the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative. I was so touched to hear their family had taken this life altering event and turned Philip’s tragedy into a beautiful legacy that lives on 10+ years later. I knew I wanted to be a part of a cause so near and dear to my heart. At the time, I had no idea what that would look like. Years later, as a scholarship recipient, I can confidently say that I am deeply moved to be a part of something I am so passionate about.
The 43 Key Seconds safe driving checklist and Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum are impactful lessons full of life saving information applicable to everyone. These programs require a great deal of self reflection, which resulted in personal growth that has refined my character for the better. I like to think it has refined me to be more like Philip. Through both of these platforms, I deepened my understanding of how I can apply Philip’s legacy to my life and encourage others to do the same.
All elements of the 43 Key Seconds safe driving checklist are equally important; however, the one that resonates with me most is Clear Head. It is no mistake this is the first element in the checklist. Having a clear head is imperative for safe driving. Being distracted puts unnecessary limits on our driving which could cause harm to those in my car and those around me.
The Safeguarding Your Legacy Curriculum is a powerful series of many lessons. While all lessons are important, impactful, and applicable, commitment speaks to me in every aspect of my life. My first experience with commitment was when I committed my life to Jesus Christ. Since that day many years ago, I have and always will be a committed follower of Him. When it comes to academics, I am highly committed to excellence. I am an Auburn University Honors College student majoring in biomedical sciences and minoring in Spanish with aspirations of attending medical school. As a student recruiter at Auburn University, I am committed to sharing the beautiful campus, opportunities, academics, and athletic events to potential students who are choosing their college to attend. I am also committed to service to my community as I volunteer weekly at Mercy Medical Clinic. Commitment is nothing new to me; however, one very important thing I am committed to is safe driving. Being awarded the PFL Scholarship is the beginning of a new chapter in my book of “Commitment to Serving Others in My Life,” and I could not be more excited to be on this journey with the Lutzie 43 Foundation.
Philip left behind an incredible legacy of love and kindness. I vividly remember hearing stories of just how encouraging he was. His kindness reached far beyond his fellow teammates, classmates, friends, and everyone he encountered. If you knew Philip – you knew you were cared for and loved. Receiving this scholarship is a calling to continue Philip’s memory, values, and heart. I count it a privilege to be a small part of continuing his legacy and sharing his story. I am honored to play a role in ensuring that everyone takes those crucial 43 Key Seconds before driving to prevent making a mistake that cannot be taken back.
In closing, I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Lutzenkirchen, Amy, Ann, Abby, and family, the Lutzie 43 Foundation, and the Board of Directors for selecting me as a 2025 Prepared for Life Scholarship recipient. I do not take this award lightly. The breadth of this scholarship reaches much further than Taylor Potts. It will go on to assist many, many people as I plan to attend medical school. I am excited to partner with the Lutzie 43 Foundation as we Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz. Above all, I will continue Philip’s legacy and spread his contagious love and laughter of someone we all knew and we all loved.