GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI – Madelynn Johnson and Reegan Graham, seniors at Traverse City West Senior High School, were recognized today during an online ceremony for their outstanding efforts by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC) during its annual Traffic Safety Awards Ceremony.
The GTSAC recognizes organizations, programs, and individuals for outstanding involvement in traffic safety. Johnson and Graham were nominated for the award by Michigan State Police (MSP) Tpr. David Pritchard for their leadership and involvement in the Drug Awareness Program basketball game and Students Together Against Negative Decisions (S.T.A.N.D.).
The leading cause of death among teenagers is traffic crashes. As members of Traverse City West Senior High’s S.T.A.N.D. program, Johnson and Graham were pivotal in bringing awareness, education and resources to both student and adult populations regarding illicit drug use, mental health stigma and counseling available in their community. More than 2,000 people attended the “Drug Awareness Basketball Game,” where information tables included professionals from Families Against Narcotics, Hope Not Handcuffs and local addiction treatment services.
In nominating the two seniors, Tpr. Pritchard said, “Madelynn and Reegan did an outstanding job at utilizing area resources and professionals to make their event a huge success. They partnered with multiple substance use disorder professionals, wellness educators, recovery coaches and law enforcement.” The students also sought monetary and in-kind donations from local businesses to hold the event, conducted live interviews during the event, and compiled a press release to inform local media.
The GTSAC was formed in 2002 to serve as the state’s forum for identifying key traffic safety challenges and developing and implementing plans to address those issues. The commission includes representatives from the MSP and the departments of: Transportation, Education, Health and Human Services and State, as well as the Office of the Governor, Aging and Adult Services Agency and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. There are also three representatives from local government appointed by the governor.
