Strive to Arrive Alive (S2AA) Teen Drivers Safety Conference Tackles Distracted Driving

The 13th annual S2AA Teen Drivers Safety Conference, held at Celebration Cinema in Grand Rapids on October 16th, 2024, gathered students and educators to tackle the critical issue of distracted driving. Sponsored by the Ionia County ISD Youth Advisory Council (YAC)—which includes our own division at Portland High School—this event empowers student leaders who not only help run the conference but also gain invaluable experience in leadership and teamwork. YAC invited students from PHS to participate, ensuring they receive essential information on promoting safe driving practices.

Our PHS YAC consists of the following students who were able to help run the event: Anna Heath (co-chair of ISD YAC), Annabelle Bowers, Sia Patel, Rylee Miller, Christine Svanda, Amber Vetter, Marisa Weber, Carson Simon, and Georgia Stahl. With confidence and energy, our own student leader, Anna Heath, introduced the keynote speaker for the conference.

The event featured keynote speaker Joel Feldman, whose personal story of loss and advocacy resonated deeply with attendees. Feldman's daughter, killed by a distracted driver, has inspired his mission to educate young drivers about the critical dangers of distracted driving. Students also attended two sessions which included a speaker from the Michigan Department of State and individuals with personal experiences regarding distracting driving.

In addition to these sessions, students had the opportunity to experience driving simulators, allowing them to practice their skills in a safe environment and gain firsthand insight into the consequences of distracted driving. The Teen Drivers Safety Conference aims to empower young drivers with the knowledge and tools necessary to make responsible choices on the road. By fostering awareness and encouraging safe driving practices, the conference hopes to reduce the number of accidents caused by distractions and ultimately save lives in our community.