Harrisonburg, Va. — Traffic safety advocates from across the commonwealth were recognized at the annual Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) Awards Banquet on Saturday, July 15 at 6:00 p.m. at James Madison University, Harrisonburg.
Keeping with the theme, “Drivin’ Thru the Decades: Honoring Leaders for Safe Teen Driving,” young professionals who started their careers with YOVASO, gave the keynote address.
Mandy Adkins, Director of Parks and Recreation for Botetourt Co. and Callie Clary, a fourth-grade teacher for Roanoke City Public Schools, honored students, schools, youth groups, teachers, businesses and law enforcement from across Virginia who demonstrated exemplary efforts during the 2022-2023 school year to encourage safe driving and passenger safety among teenagers.
The majority of awards presented recognized youth group and school-based YOVASO clubs and their student members, such as the youth leadership awards and club honorary awards. Awards were presented in 21 categories.
YOVASO is Virginia’s peer-to-peer education and prevention program for teen driver safety. YOVASO is a program of the Virginia State Police and is funded by a grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
YOVASO has existed since 2001 and works with schools and youth groups across the commonwealth to improve young driver and passenger safety. Area schools and students received awards in the following categories:
Liberty High School won the Speed Prevention Award in recognition of a member club’s outstanding programs to prevent speed-related crashes among young drivers.
Staunton River High School was named YOVASO Club of the Year, in recognition of a member club for establishing and setting the standard for best practices in peer-led youth traffic safety programs.
The award recognizes excellence in student leadership and club development, community outreach, engagement of the student body, effectiveness of programming, and participation in YOVASO campaigns and retreats.
Both Liberty High School and Staunton River High School received Outstanding Club Recognition in recognition of member clubs that have previously received the Club of the Year Award and continue to maintain the same high level of performance and best practices for peer-to-peer traffic safety programs.
Clubs that are recognized for continued excellence will receive an Outstanding Club plaque during the first year of achieving this status.
For each subsequent year of achieving this honor, clubs will receive a ribbon to be attached to the original plaque.
Forest Middle School was named Middle School Club of the Year, in recognition of a member club for establishing and setting the standard for best practices in peer-led youth traffic safety programs.
Award recognizes excellence in student leadership and club development, community outreach, engagement of the student body, effectiveness of programming, and participation in YOVASO campaigns and retreats.
Olivia Chattin, of Staunton River High School was named Student Volunteer of the Year, in recognition of a student for outstanding service to his/her YOVASO club through volunteer hours to plan, implement, and work on youth traffic safety programs in the school and community.
Allyson Long, of Liberty High School received the Rock Star Award, in recognition of a student who demonstrates enthusiasm and excitement in his/her school and community for promoting safe teen driving and passenger safety.
This student is a champion for the cause and a vocal role model within the school and community.
Audrey Hamilton, Forest Middle School was named New Middle School Sponsor of the Year (Teacher Advisor), in recognition of a teacher’s outstanding support and guidance to the school’s traffic safety club during the teacher’s first year as advisor for the club.
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