speaking request:
North Stafford High VCU School's Project IMPACT
Had an incredible time speaking at North Stafford High VCU School's Project IMPACT with over 500 teens sharing valuable insights and knowledge with the students.
Jefferson Forest High School
We had the opportunity to engage with over 200 teenagers at Jefferson Forest high school during YOVASO day where we shared Conner’s story. Reminding them it’s crucial to ensure that your driver is licensed and to always speak up if you feel uncomfortable as a passenger in a vehicle.
March 2024
SERADTSEA
February 2024
Manchester High School (Virginia)
This is what over 600 teenagers engaging in education against destructive driving decisions at Manchester High School (Virginia) looks like!
We know this impactful event leaves a lasting impression on these teenagers but we need PARENTS to reinforce positive driving behaviors at home.
There isn’t a do over when you are behind the wheel.
There are consequences to bad decisions, some of which can never be fixed
Please #justdrive and #ArriveAlive and report what you know is wrong anonymously.
One courageous voice can stop a deadly choice.
November 12, 2023
J.R. Tucker High School (Virginia)
Great day to have spoken with about 250 teenagers from J.R. Tucker High School
VCU Injury & Violence Prevention Program presented a mock crash and trauma bay along with our victim testimonies.
It’s overwhelming to have so many teenagers ask to hug me and tell me how sorry they are and promise that they will not participate in destructive driving decisions.
Thankful to see so many wearing Conner’s swag as a symbol to remind them to know who they are riding with and to speak up!
October 25, 2023
King William County Public Schools (Virginia)
October 12, 2023
Honored to have spoken with about 175 teenagers from King William County Public Schools
A mock crash and trauma bay was presented by VCU Injury & Violence Prevention Program along with our victim testimonies.
It’s always overwhelming to have so many teenagers ask to hug me and tell me how sorry they are and promise that they will not participate in destructive driving decisions.
They love getting Conner’s swag and wear it proudly as a symbol to remind them to know who they are riding with and to speak up!
Staunton River High School (Virginia)
October 18, 2023
Had a great time with over 250 teenagers in October showing the results of destructive driving decisions at Staunton River High School
We hope they learned that you don’t get a do over. There are consequences to bad decisions behind the wheel…some decisions can not be fixed.
Matoaca High School
September 26, 2023
About 400 teenagers at Matoaca High School joined us to learn about the dangers of destructive driving and the consequences to themselves and others.
It's always a very impactful event for these teenagers, and I am thankful to have told our tragic story in hopes of preventing another needless teenage death.
Any high school can reach out to schedule a FREE event.
2023 Gweedo Memorial Foundation Scholarship
Recipient: Emma Ogden
July 20th
We are honored to announce the winner of the 2023 Gweedo Memorial Foundation Scholarship as Emma Ogden.
Emma graduated from Jefferson Forest High School with a 4.24 GPA and will be attending Shenandoah University in the fall majoring in History.
Emma has been active in the Theater, and was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
Emma has been involved with Yovaso for the past 7 years and served on their Youth Advisory Council for the past 2 years.
Emma took the time to research and get to know Conner, and the factors that led to his unnecessary death, and included that in her application.
Emma’s passion for safe driving was apparent and although the requirement was only for 2 social media posts, Emma submitted 4.
Simple and to the point, to attract teenagers and bring awareness to the dangers of Distracted Driving, speeding and reckless driving, Emma’s submissions for her social media posts were right on point.
We wish Emma the best life has to offer her and know she will continue to influence her peers to drive distraction free.
We received more applications than ever this year, from all over the State of Virginia and we appreciate each and every applicant.
VADETS Virginia Association of Driver Education Teacher’s
LOCATION: JMU
July 12 /17
Honored to have been with the Virginia Driver Education Teachers Conference at James Madison University to share our tragedy.
Discussing both Bills we have passed in Virginia in honor of Conner, the Gweedo Memorial Foundation is honored to partner in keeping our roadways safer.
Lifesavers National Conference
on Highway Safety Priorities
LOCATION: SEATTLE
APRIL 2-4, 2023
The largest gathering of highway safety professionals in the United States.
Lloyd C Bird High School
LOCATION: Chesterfield, VA
March 29, 2023
Liberty High School
LOCATION: Bedford, Virginia
March 24, 2023
Indian River High School
LOCATION: Chesapeake, Virginia
January 9, 2023
Hampton Christian
LOCATION: Hampton, Virginia 3/20/23
Deep Run High School
April 20, 2023
