OVERVIEW

As a 15-year-old teenager who just got my license, I saw firsthand the epidemic that was going on around me. Eleven teens die every day because of texting and driving, and I decided I wanted to be part of the solution, because texting and driving not only puts you in danger, but everyone else on the road around you. As a titleholder in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, I served my community and state as Miss State Capitol’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Bismarck’s Outstanding Teen, and Miss North Dakota’s Outstanding Teen. I saw these titles as an opportunity to make a difference. I knew I didn’t need a crown, but I also knew it would open more doors for me. I decided to educate my peers, students, and community about the dangers of texting and driving and how they can speak up. I did research, completed an online Distracted Driving Course and took the initiative to partner with organizations with similar missions, including the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), AT&T, ND Safety Council, AAA, and the ND Association of Counties to help spread my message.

 

Over the years, I was able to build on my efforts to reach my peers and community. I have reached thousands of people through events, presentations and media interviews. It meant so much to speak to thousands of students at many schools throughout the state and the ND State Student Council Convention to encourage teens to take the pledge to not text and drive. I also enjoyed speaking to hundreds of students at my church. I was honored to be chosen to present at the statewide ND Conference for Injury Prevention and Control, as well as give my message at the ND Safety Council Alive at 25 class. I was the spokesperson for the NDDOT Speak Up! Campaign, created social media videos and was featured in statewide paid advertising. In addition, I developed a statewide radio PSA. I gained media attention and was featured on many news stations, morning/noon shows and in magazines to spread the word about the dangers of texting and driving! Because of my volunteer work and dedication to this issue, I was named a Teens In Action finalist at the national Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition, recognized as a state Prudential Spirit of Community finalist and received the Presidential Volunteer Award.

           

I am not currently a titleholder, but remain an advocate against texting and driving. I always lead by example and encourage my friends to keep their phone out of reach while behind the wheel. Many people share that they used a tip or didn’t text and drive because of my efforts. Distracted driving is still a big issue, but it is reassuring to know that I did my part to make the roads safer, made someone think twice before reaching for their phone, or maybe even saved a life.