Sam & Ash Injury Law, alongside partners from Clark County School District’s Safe Routes to School, Nevada’s Zero Fatalities and Zero Teen Fatalities programs, RTC of Southern Nevada, Silver State Credit Union, Nevada Donor Network, and Findlay Volkswagen Henderson, announced the winners of the second annual Sam & Ash Safe Teen Driving Essay Contest.
Launched in August 2025, the campaign encouraged teens to reflect on the importance of safe driving and the real-life choices that affect their safety behind the wheel. Students were asked to submit a 400–500-word essay on “What Safe Driving Means to Me,” resulting in more than 400 entries from across Southern Nevada.
This year’s grand prize – a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T Sport – was awarded to Boulder City High School student River Schenk, who was surprised with the car during a school assembly on December 18. River’s essay and video told the story of a childhood friend who was struck and killed in a school zone, a tragedy that later contributed to the passage of Rex’s Law in 2023. Judges noted the clarity and emotion in River’s message, which earned him the contest’s top honor.
“River’s essay and video really hit home when it comes to the importance of safe driving,” said Ash Watkins, partner at Sam & Ash Injury Law. “To lose a childhood friend in front of the school they attended together had a substantial impact on everyone touched by the event. River turned that into a learning experience he then shared with us, putting heart and soul into his effort to spread the message of safe driving. As River finishes high school and heads into college, we hope this new car will be a daily reminder of that lesson and what it means. We are thrilled to recognize River and help promote his message.”
Essay Contest Winners:
- Grand Prize – 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T Sport
River Schenk, Boulder City High School - Runner-Up – $5,000 Scholarship/Cash
Jazmin Castro, University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Third Place – $1,000 Scholarship/Cash + MacBook
Zaavie Broadbent, College of Southern Nevada
“I can’t believe I’m actually taking home a new car,” River said. “I entered the contest because the topic is personal to me, and I hoped my story might help others think twice when they’re behind the wheel. I’m really thankful for the recognition and support.”
Teen Driving Statistics
According to Zero Teen Fatalities (ZTF):
- Drivers under 20 represent the largest demographic distracted at the time of a fatal crash.
- Using a cell phone while driving reduces brain activity by 37%.
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens.
- Teens make up 5% of Nevada drivers but account for 10% of crashes.
- According to the CDC, seven teenagers are killed in car crashes nearly every day.
- 35% of all teen crashes are rear-end collisions, pointing to distracted driving as a major factor.
- Teen drivers are involved in crashes at higher rates than any other age group.
Additional Partner Quotes:
Clark County School District – Safe Routes to School
“Ensuring students can travel to and from school safely is central to our mission,” said Jennifer Grube, Coordinator of the Clark County School District’s Safe Routes to School program. “Educational contests like this essay initiative engage students and the broader community in important conversations about traffic safety. We were proud to partner with Sam & Ash on the Safe Driver Essay Contest, which encourages young drivers to reflect on their responsibility behind the wheel and make safer choices in and around school zones.”
Zero Fatalities and Zero Teen Fatalities
“Every crash is preventable, and every safe choice matters,” said Anita Pepper, public information officer for Nevada Office of Traffic Safety’s Zero Fatalities program. “When teens take the lead in promoting responsible driving, it strengthens our efforts to reduce roadway deaths across Nevada. We’re grateful to these students for using their voices to help move our state toward zero fatalities.”
RTC / Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
“Safe driving protects everyone sharing the road, from motorists to cyclists to pedestrians to transit riders,” said MJ Maynard-Carey, chief executive officer of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. “Teens should know they have reliable transportation options when they’re tired, distracted, or simply shouldn’t be driving. Supporting this contest helps reinforce those life-saving decisions.”
Nevada Donor Network
“Nevada Donor Network is honored to support an important cause in our community,” shared Nevada Donor Network’s Strategic Partnership and Event Liaison, Samantha Savalli. “We believe that safe driving has an impact on countless lives and is important for Nevada’s youth to understand. Our team is proud of River’s willingness to share his story. His submission was just one of many powerful examples that will ultimately spread awareness and save lives.”
Silver State Schools Credit Union
“At Silver State Schools Credit Union, we believe financial health and physical safety go hand-in-hand,” said JimDre Westbrook, education liaison manager. “When teens understand that risky driving can cost them not only in safety but also in long-term financial stability through medical bills, higher insurance, or lost opportunities, they gain a perspective that lasts well beyond the driver’s seat. Supporting programs like this reflects our commitment to helping young people build safer habits and stronger financial futures”.
Findlay Volkswagen Henderson
“Continuing our partnership with Sam & Ash Injury Law for the Safe Teen Driving Campaign for a second year means a great deal to us, because helping keep young drivers safe is a responsibility we take to heart. We’re especially proud to give away a Volkswagen Jetta, a vehicle known for its exceptional safety ratings and thoughtful safety technology, making it a meaningful way to support teens and their families on the road.” said Melisa Eichbauer, General Manager, Findlay Volkswagen Henderson.
###
