Recommendations

  • Your presentation had a profound impact on both the participants and staff of the SAFE High-Speed Diversion Program in Henrico County, Virginia. Your passion and meaningful contributions are making a positive difference in the lives of individuals within communities nationwide. Thank you for sharing your personal story. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate on future initiatives as we promote personal accountability, responsible driving, and safer communities.

    -Brenda Chapman, Senior Management Specialist, Division of Fire

  • "I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful job you did. I continue to be in awe of your ability to turn your grief into good and I’m so grateful that you are doing that work in Virginia. Thank you for your work, determination and passion. You are making a huge difference! "

    -Jillian Cowherd
    Marketing Manager, Virginia Highway Safety Office 

  • "Thank you, again, for coming to DeSales. The students were greatly impacted and sat on the edge of their seats listening. You often spoke about situations that they may have found themselves in or knew about through another student. If you change the actions of at least one student, you have helped, but I do feel that you changed the actions of many and empowered them to own their own actions. Thank you!"

    -Anastasia Quirk, Ph.D. Principal

  • Thank you so much again for coming and sharing Connor's story, along with your own. Hearing you speak gave me chills and made me hug my children a little tighter. "Just a day after hands-on training in a mass-casualty simulation, my students heard Tammy’s story, which bridged the gap between training and reality by highlighting how reckless driving can instantly shatter multiple lives at once. Tammy was an impactful speaker who provided a sobering look at the real-world consequences of reckless driving."

    -Shana Sherard, Youth Service Center Coordinator

  • Tammy visited my school, Bullitt Central High School, today, and it brought tears to my eyes many times. Our school experienced a devastating loss at the beginning of the 2023 school year. Luci Krueger was an embodiment of life and joy. If she was smiling, you couldn’t help but smile too. Tragically, she lost her life in a car crash shortly after leaving our first football game on our brand new field. The game had been postponed due to heavy rain, and many people, including Luci, had left. Overnight, the news of her passing spread throughout the community. This was the beginning of my sophomore year, and I had joined the Yearbook class we have here at BCHS. The main reason for my joining was Luci’s advice to me the previous year. In that class, I met my best friend, Atley. Atley and Luci were inseparable friends. Atley and I often reminisce about Luci and how she played a crucial role in our friendship. In the face of such a devastating and heartbreaking loss, the community truly came together. Tammy’s visit today reminded me of Luci and inspired me to live for her even harder. Thank you, Tammy, for everything you do. #LiveForLuci

    -addison meredith

  • 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

  • Thank you for your speech yesterday it made me realize how much safer i should be when driving

    -Mason Ferguson

  • After a recent presentation I did at a high school, I received a message that someone shared with me: a student going through a really tough time had broken down in tears afterward and was so thankful she was there to hear me speak that day—because hearing that if I could get through the worst thing in the world, losing my son, then she knew she could get through this too, was exactly what she needed. A reminder that you never know who needs to hear something… or how much it can matter.

    -ANONYMOUS

  • We are so grateful to have had you visit us and share Conner's story with our senior students. Your commitment to advocating for life-saving resources and legislation made an impact on not only our students, but our staff members as well. I cannot recommend your presentation enough! Thank you for helping us prepare our students to make safe choices! We would be honored to have you back any time.

    -Keelie Jolly

  • Thank you so much for speaking at our school. The students continue to speak about your presentation. I know this will have a lasting impact for many years! The only thing I would possible suggest is having more of the walk the line and VR stations so all students can participate. You did a wonderful job! Thank you so much again!

    -Alexandria Cooper, High School Principal Whitefield Academy

  • Thank you for making such a vital impact after an unimaginable tragedy. His story will never be forgotten and as one of the many parents of teenagers, we hear you.

    -Courtney Huskisson

  • "Thank you for your presentation on Friday. It touched many of our students, and I am confident that the information you shared on teen driving will be put to good use. We are so grateful for your time and would love to have you join us again next year. Once again thank you."

    Ryan Dickens

  • We truly appreciate you coming to our school and sharing your story with our students. Having someone like you share your story impacts our students more than if it came from someone inside the school. If what you are doing can help one person from our school make better decisions it is worth it. I truly appreciate what you are doing for our students and students around the country.

    -David Bostick, Principal Honiker High School

  • Good Morning, Thank you for the great presentation to our students at BHS yesterday. We feel strongly that our students felt the meaningfulness in your message and we are very grateful for the opportunity for them to hear your powerful story and important information. Thank you for coming to see us during a difficult time and for the important work you are doing with and for our youth.

    -From Principal Phillip S. Byrd psbyrd@henry.k12.va.us

  • On behalf of HRA's Upper School, I want to thank you for sharing Connor's story with us - it is one we will not forget. I have heard from several faculty members and students that your warm, interactive message, combined with impactful educational statistics and practical guidance were truly moving. Our Upper School Connections email was just sent out to students and parents yesterday, and it contained a write-up about your visit (below) as well as a link to a longer article posted on our website and via social media. The detailed information you provided to us in advance was so helpful! Thank you! This week, our students participated in a meaningful and impactful presentation focused on teen driver safety and responsible decision-making. Guest speaker Tammy McGee shared her personal story of losing her 16-year-old son, Conner, in a 100% preventable automobile crash in 2019. Through her courage and honesty, she helped students understand the very real and lasting consequences of unsafe driving behaviors, including unlicensed driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other reckless decisions. Please click here to read more. For additional resources as you talk to your children, please visit: www.ConnerGweedo.com and www.IfYouSeeSomethingSaySomething.org. Together, through education, awareness, and open communication, we can work to keep our students and community safe. I also wanted to mention that a colleague at Cape Henry Collegiate saw HRA's post and has already inquired to ask for your contact information, which I happily provided. You may be hearing from them soon! On Tuesday of next week, we plan to host a banner-signing for our Upper School students. I want to thank you for all of the materials and information you shared with us! We will continue to get the word out. I deeply admire your activism, tenacity, and love -- thank you for coming to Hampton Roads Academy!

    -HRA Academy

  • On behalf of our administration, faculty, and students, I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to speak with us yesterday. Your message about the dangers and consequences of driving unlicensed was incredibly powerful and meaningful for our entire school community. We truly appreciate you sharing your story and representing the Gweedo Memorial Foundation. The impact of your presentation was evident, and it provided our students with an important reminder about making responsible decisions behind the wheel. Your honesty and passion made a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Thank you again for investing your time in our students and for the work you continue to do to promote driver safety and awareness. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you and support the mission of your foundation.

    Sydney McKinney

    John S. Battle High School

    Health & Physical Education Teacher

  • Her presentation was heartfelt, engaging, and perfectly suited to our students' needs. She conveyed important information in a meaningful and relatable way, and we felt the message resonated strongly with the kids. The additional activities included were a wonderful touch and helped reinforce the seriousness of the topic while keeping students engaged. We are currently creating parking passes and verifying that all student drivers have their licenses, and Tammy’s presentation aligned perfectly with these efforts. It will motivate us to garner more community support for this new process. Her dedication to saving lives and promoting safe choices is clear, and we are thankful for the positive impact she made on our school community. Thank you again for giving our students such a valuable experience.

    Mrs. Anita Jordan, M.Ed., Former NBCT

    School Counselor

    Cherokee Public Schools

  • The presentation obviously worked because we have had reports on two separate situations. One of the main reports we got was on a student that was driving to school without a license. We were able to handle that situation as soon as we were made aware. As for me, I would say your presentation worked for our students.

    Freddie Hall - MAEL, CAA

    High School Principal

    Chandler Public Schools

  • Tammy McGee delivered a powerful and heartfelt presentation to our junior and senior students by sharing the tragic story of her son Conner’s death. Her honesty and vulnerability made a profound impact, helping students understand the real consequences of the choices they make. Students were highly attentive, and many shared afterward that hearing directly from a grieving parent made the message more meaningful and memorable. Tammy was able to connect with students and encourage them to take responsibility and make informed-wise decisions. Overall, Tammy’s presentation was impactful, and her courage in sharing her family’s story made a lasting impression on our students.

    Tracy Pipins/Buffalo HS in OK