Recommendations

  • Having heard her presentation and watching the students interact, I can tell you it is a major departure from the traditional "I was injured/now I'm in a wheelchair" model. While those stories are impactful, they often lack the interactive engagement that Tammy has mastered. I don’t say that as a novice; I am always looking at these programs through an educational lens. Tammy isn't just telling a story; she is teaching a curriculum that resonates with how students actually learn.

    -Samuel Jones, MA, CPST, Tech IOSH (UK)

    Buckle Up Appalachia

    Senior Program Coordinator

  • The Gweedo Foundation and Mrs. Tammy McGee delivered a powerful and deeply moving presentation to our students in grades 8–12. Tammy shared the story of her son, Conner, who tragically lost his life when a classmate, unlicensed and driving recklessly, took 2 boys to a party after their homecoming dance. What made her message so impactful was not just the facts, but the heart behind them. Personal stories like Tammy’s connect with students in a way that statistics simply cannot. You could feel the room shift as our students truly understood the weight of the decisions they make, especially when it comes to driving. Her message is clear: the risks teenagers take are often far greater than they realize in the moment. And while we hope to reach every student, even if her story changes the choices of just one, it is worth it. That said, I am confident she reached many more than that. I would strongly recommend The Gweedo Foundation and Tammy McGee to any school community. Her presentation is not only memorable, it also has the potential to save lives.

    -- Kim Aston

    Head of Upper School 

    Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

  • I came across an article about you and Conner and realized it had been a while since we last connected. I wanted to share a quick update. After your personal conversation with our family, our son truly took it to heart. He has stayed on the right path, worked hard, and is now in the academy pursuing his goals. Your words and your story made a lasting impact on him — and on all of us. I hope you’re doing okay. The way you continue to honor your son by helping other families does not go unnoticed. Choosing to turn unimaginable grief into a voice that protects others takes extraordinary strength. Please keep saying his name and keep fighting. You helped my family more than you know. I appreciate you and the work you’re doing. I will always remember Conner even though I didn’t know him.

    -Anonymous

  • I am writing this letter on behalf of Ms. Tammy McGee, an outstanding speaker for teens who have started to drive or get in a car with peers. She has a story to tell about her son who was killed in a crash by an unlicensed driver who drove reckless. No mother should have to tell this story and that is why she has the courage to come to your school to get this message out on how serious it is to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Tammy is the best speaker and relates to youth! Our students here at Page County High School are still talking about her message. She has had an impact and our students will never forget her message. Thank you Tammy for the courage to share your story so no other mother has to live what you live with...the loss of a son

    -Susan Betcher, Page County High School

  • It was a wonderful presentation and I think that the kids were affected. I had our parking lot monitor at the end of the day come to me and tell me that the parking lot was very calm when the students were leaving yesterday. No one in a big truck was gunning engines, and kids were driving MUCH slower as they exited the property. Your words have power!!

    -David Cale, Page County High School

  • The Gweedo Memorial Foundation works tirelessly to influence the decisions of young people in Virginia. I would like to share with you a little about how it has impacted me, and how I hope to help influence others moving forward. Tammy Gweedo has not only turned her heartbreak and pain into something that has purpose for everyone around her but has made due on her promise of saving lives. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of her ongoing journey and by hearing Conner's story, my perspective has changed. The impact from the first time of hearing this story to the second is significant. It’s gut wrenching to know how fast a life can be taken from this earth, but after letting it sink in, I realized how fast a life could be saved by practicing safe driving. Having a part in this foundation has changed my life. I will never get in a car now without thinking about Conner and what I can do as an individual behind the wheel to help possibly save my life or someone else’s. Conner might not be here with us today but with his memory and the help of his mom, they are making the biggest difference. They are saving lives.

    — McKenzie Sperber, student

  • Recently, Tammy spoke at our school about the importance of safe driving, but most importantly driving with a license. Her speech at our school really altered the way I view life, because within seconds her son was taken from her in such a violent way. This outlook has caused me to always consider the consequences of my actions before I commit them, and how they would affect my loved ones. I really appreciate the time she took to spend at our school speaking out about things that altered her life so dramatically, to hopefully keep us and our loved ones safer.

    — Addison Duplantier, student

  • As me and my peers listened to the presentation Tammy performed at our high school we learned about why it is important to speak up to not just risky drivers but to any sort of conflict that could hurt ourselves or others around us. The story brought many to understand the speaker's points and views and I believe that everyone took something out of the address. Throughout Ms. Tammy's presentation I learned the values of safe driving and its importance especially to student drives.

    — Caraline Spell, student

  • I highly recommend Tammy as a speaker on driver and passenger safety. She shares her son’s story with heartfelt compassion, creating a powerful and personal connection with students. Her genuine concern for their well-being is evident, and her message truly resonates. Tammy’s dedication to promoting safety among young people is both inspiring and impactful.

    -Kimberly Redd Gordon, M.Ed. 

  • Tammy Gweedo McGee is a terrific public speaker and traffic safety advocate. I have been lucky enough to hear her speak two times, and I always find something new to take away. Tammy’s presentation is touching from her perspective as a mother and inspiring as an advocate. I wholeheartedly recommend her speech to any school or organization.

    -Emma Ogden

  • You are amazing! Thank you for being able to come and be a part of the conference. The feedback I got after you spoke was amazing. They could not stop talking about how beneficial it was. I hope that you are contacted by many of them to be able to speak at schools.

    -Justin Everhart, West Virginia Drivers Education Association

  • Thank you so much for coming out and spending the day with us. Your story definitely resonated with some of our students and I think it was very impactful. Tammy spent most of her Friday with high school students to share Conner's story! Explaining the importance of safe driving and making responsible decisions were topics that are extremely important to share with our youth. These tragedies can be avoided by making decisions that are responsible, and smart and Tammy made sure the students knew that. Her purpose was to educate, and she did a phenomenal job! THANK YOU!!!!

    -Mariah Stewart

  • Today Tammy presented at my school, south Harrison. Her speech really moved me. I felt deeply sorry for her and her family. I know I have definitely been in cars with people who I didn’t feel safe driving with. I was always scared to speak up cause what gave me the right. But today, hearing Conners story encouraged me to speak up. I should never feel unsafe driving with someone. So I thank Tammy for coming out and talking to us and sharing his story. I’ll always remember Conner and what this organization stands for.

    -South Harrison High School

  • Thank you so much for presenting to our students! I believe your message touched them and they will be more likely to think about driving consequences in the future.

    -Sara Lechner, South Harrison High School

  • We enjoy having you, and I do feel you had an effect on some of my angels. Thank you for coming.

    -Dawn Heath

  • On behalf of Woodrow Wilson High School and the Beckley community, thank you, Tammy, for taking the time to address our students on Friday on the dangers of distracted driving. Not only did your message resonate with the young people in attendance, but our school continues to field numerous calls from thankful parents. Tammy, the good that you have done through personal tragedy is a beautiful thing! Keep up the great work and we hope to have the opportunity to bring you back soon

    -Ryan P. Stafford

    Principal

    Woodrow Wilson High School

  • Thank you so much for all you do. The tournament was a blast for the kids and your work will save lives. You are appreciated.

    -Bridget Kensinger Walson