STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE ~
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Roger Lira

Roger Lira, a senior at Shallowater High School, was recognized by the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) for his volunteer work and efforts in youth safety efforts, including safe teen driving. The 2008-2009 National SAVE Student of the Year Award was awarded to Roger for outstanding performance and lasting contributions to the school, community, and students and for exemplifying the ideals of SAVE. Roger’s award was presented at Shallowater’s Award Banquet on May 11, 2009 at the Civic Center in Lubbock, Texas.

Roger had a busy year making a positive difference and changing the lives of others. Among his many leadership roles, he planned the Shallowater Summit which addressed issues such as bullying, drugs and drinking, dating violence, and riving safety. He has been actively involved in the Teen Coalition Against Destructive Driving and has traveled across the US educating students. Roger also chaired “Rock, Don’t Roll” which educates teen drivers about dangerous distractions while behind the wheel.

“Roger embodies the ideals of SAVE and is a model for SAVE members everywhere.” stated Dr. Riley. “For 20 years, Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE), a student-led public nonprofit organization, has educated and empowered young people in schools and community-based organizations to do their part to promote safety and to influence other teens to drive safely. SAVE students are actively making a real difference in their schools and communities.”

The Allstate Foundation provided a $100,000 grant this school year to support teen safe driving efforts across the state of Texas. Roger and his fellow students at Shallowater High School, as well as the following Lubbock area high schools have participated in the Allstate Teen Safe Driving Program: Abernathy, IRA ISD, Lamesa, Lubbock-Cooper, and Spring Lake-Earth. “Fifteen to sixteen teens die every day in car crashes,” said Janemarie Clark, manager of The Allstate Foundation in Texas. “We believe teens, such as Roger, have the power to influence their friends in a positive way, so we’re creating a student-run grass-roots movement with the goal of reducing teen driving fatalities.”

National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere SAVE: Youth Voices... Grown-Up Choices! Toll Free 866-343-SAVE For more information contact cwray@nationalsave.org   /   Copyright 2012