Michigan Students Honored for Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship

Four high school winners recognized for powerful messages against texting and driving

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:08pm

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Four high school students in Michigan have been awarded the 2026 Kelsey's Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship for their compelling graphic designs and YouTube videos that promote the critical message of safe, distraction-free driving. The students, from schools across the state, were recognized for using their creativity to send a powerful message to their peers about the dangers of texting while driving.

Why it matters

The Kelsey's Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship was created in 2016 to honor Kelsey Raffaele, a 17-year-old who tragically lost her life in a cell phone-related automobile crash in 2010. Through this annual scholarship, Michigan Auto Law aims to inspire change and raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, especially among young and inexperienced drivers.

The details

The $5,000 scholarship awarded various amounts per category, including $2,000 for the Best Overall submission, $1,500 for the Best Video, $1,000 for the Most Impactful, and $500 for the Best Graphic. The winners were selected based on their ability to persuade others to stop texting while driving, grab the attention of their peers, deliver a clear message, and showcase personal creativity.

  • The Kelsey's Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship is an annual program.
  • The 2026 winners were announced on April 1, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Raffaele

A 17-year-old who tragically lost her life in a cell phone-related automobile crash in 2010, inspiring the creation of the Kelsey's Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship.

Bonnie Raffaele

Kelsey's mother, who has become a nationally recognized leader in teen driver safety, founding the KDR (Kids Driving Responsibly) Challenge, leading the Michigan Teen Safe Driving Coalition, and partnering with organizations to promote distracted driving awareness.

Steve Gursten

Attorney and Owner of Michigan Auto Law, the firm that created the Kelsey's Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship to inspire change and raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

Alyssa Marx

The winner of the $2,000 Best Overall Submission from Troy Athens High School.

Georgia Tocco

The winner of the $1,500 Best Video Submission from Jackson High School.

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What they’re saying

“The scholarship really validates the effort I put into my project and tells me that people find value in the messages I put out, so it's a great honor for my work to be recognized!”

— Alyssa Marx, Troy Athens High School (Troy, MI) Class of 2027

“I think a lot of teenagers can feel invincible, like they couldn't cause an accident with distracted driving. Anyone can. Don't be the reason someone gets hurt.”

— Georgia Tocco, Jackson High School (Jackson, MI) Class of 2026

“To me, this scholarship means being able to further my education while encouraging driver safety.”

— Emily Killingbeck, Swan Valley High School (Saginaw, MI) Class of 2026

“When I drive, I see many people on their phones: texting, calling, or even doing snap streaks. I want to do what I can to remind people how dangerous those small decisions can be, and how phones can wait while you drive.”

— Maraleisa VandenHeuvel, South Christian High School (Byron Center, MI) Class of 2026

“All it takes is a moment of distraction for a life to change forever. The students that submitted entries this year did an incredible job showing how easily distractions can happen and why it's so important to stay focused behind the wheel. I hope their messages encourage drivers everywhere to pause, put their phones down, and make safer choices.”

— Bonnie Raffaele, Kelsey's mother

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.