TCS High School Observes
National Teen Driver Safety Week
By Samantha DePriest
Every October, Trinity Christian High School observes National Teen Drive Safety Week to bring attention to the challenges faced by teen drivers. Through raising awareness and educating new drivers and in partnership with parents, TCS is working to keep students safe behind the wheel. This year marks the 20th National Teen Driver Safety Week since it was established. The safety of students is the number one priority at TCS. The roadways are full of distracted drivers and are becoming increasingly dangerous. It has never been more important to remind students to make safe, responsible decisions behind the wheel. From putting phones away and buckling up to obeying speed limits and staying focused, small choices can make a life changing difference.
High School Principal, Mr. James Wheeler, shares "During our National Safe Driving Week assembly, students were challenged to consider how employing God’s wisdom leads to good decision making in driving and transportation. Safe driving requires intentional choices, personal responsibility, and a willingness to consider how our actions affect others.“
Abby’s Angels Foundation
Abby Bacho
Image by Natalie Bacho
During NTDSW each school year, TCS Student Council partners with Abby’s Angels Foundation and encourages student participation in dress down days to honor the beautiful life of Abby Bacho. Abby’s Angels Foundation and NTDSW banners cover the hallways and fences in the high school. Each day of the week represents a color and purpose, Monday - Joy (yellow), Tuesday - Excitement (red), Wednesday - Seriousness/Faith (blue), Thursday - Organ Donation (green), and Friday - Love (pink). Students are encouraged to dress up, take photos with their classmates, and post pictures on their social media of why they promise to drive safely.
Mrs. Natalie Bacho, Abby’s Mom, shares “On December 22, 2012, the Bacho family, which consisted of Abby, her two sisters, mother, father, and grandfather, cherished a full day of activities. They enjoyed the local roller skating facility, attended Mass and savored dinner out. As the day was coming to a close they decided to take in some tours of neighborhood homes adorned with festive Christmas lights… that’s when everything changed. The Bacho family was involved in a horrifying car wreck caused by a teen driver. Abby and her father were life flighted to separate trauma hospitals in Atlanta. Abby’s father remained in a medically induced coma for 4 weeks; however, gradually recovered. Our Abby would never recover from her injuries. Abigail Gracen Bacho became an Angel on Christmas Day. Abby gave the most precious gift anyone can give. She gave the gift of life through organ donation. ”
Trinity Christian School is forever grateful for the endless efforts and generous heart Mrs. Bacho pours into the local community to help prevent such a tragedy from happening again. She has turned her pain into purpose and devotes her life to making a difference.
Student Council Hosts Dirty Soda and Popcorn Bar To Surprise Mrs. Natalie Bacho
This year Student Council decided to help raise awareness and give back to Abby’s Angels Foundation by hosting a Dirty Soda and Popcorn Bar. The goal was to raise $350 to surprise Mrs. Natalie Bacho with for Abby’s Angels Foundation. However, $600 was raised in one day for Abby’s Angels and a check was presented to her at the NTSDW Assembly on Wednesday in Lions stadium.
A Second Later: Special Guest Molly Welch
High School Principal, Mr. James Wheeler, shares, “Students were also deeply encouraged by the remarkable Molly Welch, who shared how her life was forever changed in a single moment of distracted driving. Her powerful testimony served as a sobering reminder that one moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences. As students consider their future behind the wheel, they were encouraged to honor God and love their neighbors by practicing wisdom, exercising self-control, and making safe, responsible decisions every time they travel."
Molly Welch is the founder of the non-profit organization, A Second Later. She has dedicated her life to ending distracted driving. Her mission is to bring awareness to the dangers and realities of distracted driving. Molly shares, “In 2008 while traveling down the highway close to Auburn University, I briefly looked away from the road and wound up in a head-on collision. I sustained a traumatic brain injury, and to this day has no use of my right arm, limited use of my right leg, and a softer voice. Since my accident, I am working to help others avoid such a fate.” To learn more about the non-profit and Molly’s mission, please click the link below.
