Calhoun High School hosted the Lutzie 43 Foundation for a Safe Driving Summit on November 21, 2025. The event aimed to encourage students to make responsible decisions behind the wheel and understand how their actions affect themselves and others.
The summit began with opening remarks from Superintendent Dr. Michele Taylor, Calhoun Police Chief Tony Pyle, and local emergency responders. Mike Lutzenkirchen, Executive Director of the Lutzie 43 Foundation, shared the story of his son Philip. Philip was a former student-athlete at Lassiter High School and Auburn University who died in a distracted driving crash in 2014. “The Lutzie 43 Foundation message and the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative reinforce that their choices matter—not just for themselves, but for everyone around them,” said Calhoun High School Principal Dr. Allison Eubanks.
Mike Lutzenkirchen introduced students to the foundation’s “43 Key Seconds Safe Driving Initiative,” which asks drivers to take time before every trip to focus on making safe decisions.
Students participated in breakout sessions led by trauma and rehabilitation medical teams, law enforcement officers, first responders, and trucking professionals. These sessions demonstrated the risks of distracted or impaired driving, highlighted seatbelt safety, following distances, reaction times, and blind spots. Students also explored a semi-truck cab to better understand roadway safety challenges.
Lunch was provided through sponsorship from Courier Express with help from CHS alumnus Josh White. The school district expressed gratitude for this partnership supporting student opportunities.
Parents responded positively after the event; several reached out to thank organizers for bringing this experience to students.
Calhoun City Schools thanked all participating organizations—including medical partners, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, trucking industry professionals—and emphasized their role in delivering an important safety message.
Students were encouraged to learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation’s Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship program at www.lutzie43.org.
