Anthony McPherson Memorial Automotive Scholarship

I didn’t understand how serious driving really was when I first got behind the wheel. Growing up homeschooled, most of my social life happened online. I spent a lot of time playing video games like Need for Speed. For a while, it blurred the line between real life and the screen. My mom noticed that disconnect and signed me up for a program called B.R.A.K.E.S. in New Jersey—a defensive driving class that gave me hands-on experience with things like sudden skids, distractions, and emergency braking. It wasn't just another class. It changed the way I think about being behind the wheel. The truth is, no matter how prepared you feel, nothing gets you ready for the moment someone passes out behind the wheel or a friend swears they’re “barely buzzed,” and the next thing you know, you’re in the middle of a horror scene. DUI is just the title—tragedy is the reality. Families are left with only memories. I've been told that when someone dies a tragic death, the mind fills in the unknown with imagined scenes—real or not—that match the heartbreak, leaving behind mental scars that impact the future of the person living with them. From a moral perspective, DUI prevention has to start with responsability. It’s not just about you—it’s about the people you could hurt or kill. That means thinking ahead, making a plan before you drink, and never letting a friend drive impaired—even if they say they’re fine. It also means creating a culture where saying “I’ll call you a ride” isn’t seen as controlling—it’s just normal. One of my high school teachers often told a story about her older son and his group of friends. They had a rule: all car keys go in a lockbox at the beginning of the night and don’t come out until the next day. They line up sober drivers, Ubers, or taxis ahead of time—like picking an outfit. I asked her where that habit came from, and she told me something that stuck with me. When her son was young, she was a caregiver for a woman who had been hit by a drunk driver on her way to prom. She was paralyzed on the left side of her body and never got to dance at prom, never became the cartoon artist she dreamed of being, and never sang again. Years later, her son saw that same woman walk just a few small steps in a local parade using a brace and a crutch, with his mom helping her. Her story shaped his behavior before he ever had a license. That’s the kind of reminder that stays with you. But it shouldn’t take a tragedy to build that understanding. That’s where technical prevention comes in. We need to introduce safety habits from the start—especially using tools that don’t rely only on a person’s choice. Ignition interlock systems that detect blood alcohol, apps that offer quick rides home, and new in-car sensors that alert or even stop the car when something seems off can all help. I hope to work on vehicles like these in the future and be part of building smarter, safer cars. Regardless of whether I win or not, writing this essay has put a clear image of Anthony’s story in my mind. I know I will think of him often. Every time I look at my own automotive certificate, I will remember Anthony McPherson and the family that turned their pain into something meaningful. If I do receive this scholarship, I would be honored to be part of that meaning.

Driving under the influence is not only illegal but is is profoundly irresponsible and ethically wrong. It endangers the lives of the driver, passengers and others on the road. From a moral perspective, choosing to drive while impaired shows a blatant disregard for the well-being of others. It violates the ethical duty to respect others' rights to safety and life. The moral implications are severe because DUI can lead to accidents causing injury or death, inflicting immense pain and loss on innocent people and their families. From a technical standpoint, DUI affects a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time, coordination, and judgement, which are crucial for safe driving. Technologically, the presence of alcohol can be measured through breathalyzers and blood tests, which law enforcement uses to determine intoxication levels. DUI convictions can lead to legal consequences such as fines, license suspension, increased insurance rates and potential jail time. The impact of a DUI extends beyond the individual to affect family and friends profoundly. Families may experience emotional and financial strain due to legal fees and it takes an emotional toll of worry, shame and disappointment. Education and awareness are strategies that can be used to prevent DUIs by promoting education about the dangers and moral implications of dunk driving, we can create a strong community norm against it. Schools, community groups and media campaigns can play a significant role in spreading awareness. Role models and mentors can help set standards, when peers and respected individuals are absent. It is also important to take personal responsibility. Emphasizing the moral responsibility to protect oneself and others can deter individuals from driving under the influence. Technically, sobriety checkpoints established by law enforcement to deter and catch drunk drivers can be a strong deterrent. Ignition interlock devices can be used to prevent cars from starting if the driver has been drinking. Public transportation and ride-sharing can also be strong strategies that can help with the increasing availability and awareness of alternative transportation options, with this, we can reduce the temptation to drive while impaired. Apps like Uber and Lyft provide convenient alternatives. In conclusion, it is important to establish strong support systems for individuals at risk of DUIs. If you see something, say something because it can save a life or lives of those impacted by an unwise decision. When you drink and drive, everyone loses and the effects are instant, long lasting and unfortunately in many cases, permanent. We all have a part to play in preventing DUIs.

The effects of drunk driving are nothing short of devastating and far-reaching. When an intoxicated individual takes the wheel, they jeopardize not only their own life but also the safety of every other person on the road. It's a reckless act that brings about entirely preventable tragedies, with over 10,000 lives lost each year to this senseless behavior. One such life cut short was that of Anthony McPherson, a promising 26-year-old who fell victim to a drunk driver. While his dreams were cruelly extinguished, his memory can endure as a driving force for raising awareness about the perils of DUIs and igniting the spark for change. Losing a loved one to a drunk driving incident inflicts emotional and psychological wounds that can linger for a lifetime. The abrupt and traumatic nature of such loss often gives rise to complex and enduring grief among family and friends. The situation's injustice and senselessness typically engender deep-seated anger. The choice of a drunk driver can set off a ripple effect, impacting countless individuals far beyond the initial victim. Survivors are left grappling with unanswered questions, remorse, and the unenviable task of making sense of an unfathomable tragedy. The repercussions of drunk driving extend to legal and financial realms as well. A DUI conviction carries hefty fines, potential jail time, probation, mandatory ignition interlock devices, and license suspension or revocation. The financial burdens mount with medical and funeral expenses, along with legal representation costs, placing tremendous strain on affected families. For those who survive, expensive medical treatments and rehabilitation may become a lifelong reality. While individuals who cause harm due to drunk driving may face severe legal consequences, it can never truly compensate for the pain and suffering inflicted. Efforts to prevent drunk driving necessitate a multi-faceted approach, involving education, responsible choices, and changes in public policy. Initiatives targeting teenagers, providing them with knowledge about responsible drinking and the dangers of impaired driving, can effectively curb the problem at its source. To accomplish this, schools and community organizations require robust funding and support. For adults, the availability of ride-sharing services has been a step in the right direction, offering convenient transportation alternatives when impaired. However, the associated costs can pose a barrier, warranting consideration of subsidies or discounted fares to encourage safer choices. Establishments serving alcohol can contribute by offering breathalyzers and prominently displaying information about the associated risks. Furthermore, the enforcement of ignition interlock laws, more stringent blood alcohol content (BAC) limits, license suspensions, and DUI checkpoints has proven to be moderately effective as deterrents. Ultimately, the linchpin to success lies in perpetuating awareness and instigating shifts in societal attitudes. Anthony McPherson's aspirations were tragically unfulfilled due to a thoughtless act. While nothing can erase this profound tragedy, we can honor Anthony's memory by advocating for change and tirelessly working to prevent further senseless loss of life. Each small effort to raise awareness and initiate change contributes to a growing momentum. Through the dissemination of knowledge, unwavering commitment, and the implementation of policy reforms, we can strive to ensure that no other bright and talented young individuals have their futures unjustly curtailed. Anthony's indomitable spirit persists through these collective endeavors, aimed at educating and safeguarding all those who navigate our roads.

The effects of DUIs can be devastating, deadly, and debilitating. I have experienced this in my family. At the hand of a drunk driver, my uncle was the victim of a hit and run. Because of this choice, not one but three cars struck my uncle! When a driver chooses to drive with alcohol, they are putting their lives and the lives of others at great risk. DUIS can cause Bodily harm and fatalities. If you get arrested for a DUI, you have to live with the consequences. It can put your finances in a crunch. You will have to pay for your mistakes in fines. You will pay jail time if convicted and get a criminal record. You will have freedoms taken away such as a suspended license and have to pay higher insurance. You could lose your reputation by losing your job and maybe even prevent career opportunities because of it, and you will have negative labels on you for the rest of your life causing extreme shame and embarrassment. There are some steps to prevent DUIs. The best one is to not drink. If you must drink, you must make smart choices when choosing to engage in activities involving alcohol. Pick a responsible friend who is not going to drink alcohol to watch over you and help you stay safe. Know your limits when it comes to drinking. If you know you are going to drink, maybe drink one drink and cut yourself off so you will NOT get drunk then wait responsibly before you drive or call a friend or loved one to help you get home. You can also decide to spend the night at someone's house before you make your way home so that you will not hurt yourself or others by driving. There are programs and resources available in schools, communities, and states that provide reliable information to make you aware of the effects of alcoholism and drunk driving. These need to be readily available so that you can know the consequences of your actions. If you or someone you know has an alcohol problem, they need to seek help and treatment right away and it needs to be financially affordable, encouraging, and have an attainable reachable goal so that offenders will not give up the program before they even start it. There are also laws and penalties for driving drunk that the public needs to be aware of so that they can know the dangers of driving impaired. Funding and resource information needs to be easily accessible. Taking the necessary steps to protect people from DUI is a must. If you want to get on the road drunk, you will make a life-altering mistake. You need to have a plan in place that would include having designated drivers or using public transportation as a safe way to get home. Smart choices ensure that people do not get on the road after drinking. Make that choice today to either not drink or to use wisdom. Keep safety at the forefront of your mind so that you or people will not get hurt, and you won't suffer an arrest or be marked with jail time, loss of employment, and possibly your loved ones because of it. Take the time to get educated and hide your keys when you are tempted. DUI can have a negative effect on your life and the lives of the innocent. Do not allow three letters, (DUI) to ruin your life, take action today and live with a mind of safety using wisdom when choosing to drink alcohol and drive.