Teens in the Driver Seat® is the nation’s first peer-to-peer safety program for young drivers, involving teenagers directly in developing and delivering driving safety messages. The goal of Teens in the Driver Seat® is to raise awareness of the top driving dangers for teens and prevent crashes involving young drivers. The program empowers teens to spread the word among their peers about deadly driving risks and encourage them to make smart choices while behind the wheel and as passengers. Teens in the Driver Seat® is committed to fighting the number-one killer of teenagers in America, but it can only succeed with the involvement and commitment of young people who are represented by the Teens in the Driver Seat® Teen Advisory Board.
TAB members are selected for the next year at the end of the previous school year.
Read about the board and the application process
Check out the TAB album on Facebook for snapshots of the board in action.
The board members:
- Provide insight on how to engage their peers and sustain their interest in Teens in the Driver Seat®
- Assist in organizing program-oriented events and activities
- Provide feedback, ideas and opinions on new program materials, safety messages, promotional items and related elements
- Participate in quarterly meetings
- Serve as ambassadors and leaders for Teens in the Driver Seat®
So who are the members?
Kylie Allen
Hargrave High School
Huffman, Texas
Kylie is new to the TDS program. She believes that as a TAB member, she can help all her peers understand the dangers of distracted driving. Kylie is very active in her school and community.
Kylie describes herself as positive, devoted, reliable, responsible and a leader.
Olga Alvarado
Young Women’s Leadership Academy
Fort Worth, Texas
Olga is a member of the TDS team at her school. She has participated in creating posters and activities to help spread awareness. As a member of the TAB, she hopes to make an impact on her school and community. Olga will try her best to make sure she completes all tasks to the best of her abilities.
Olga describes herself as friendly, organized, respectful, trustworthy and open-minded.
Leo Ayala
Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications & Fine Arts
Laredo, Texas
Leo is a member of the TDS team at his school. He has participated in numerous TDS activities, like helping at the TDS Booth at the Hispanic Festival. As a member of the TAB, he plans to help make his peers safe drivers. Leo has good leadership, technology and social communications skills.
Leo describes himself as outgoing, encouraging, helpful, caring and straight-up.
Rolando Bernal
Creekview High School
Carrollton, Texas
Rolando is a member of the TDS team at his school. He has helped with many of his schools TDS campaigns and also with raising awareness for good teen driving habits. As a member of the TAB, he wants to make a difference in the lives of his peers by influencing them to be safe teen drivers.
Rolando describes himself as committed, responsible, humble, involved and outgoing.
Maya Bohn
Center for Career and Technology Education
El Paso, Texas
TAB Co-Secretary
Maya is new to the TDS program. As a new member of the TAB, she plans on informing as many people as she can about how dangerous it can be to drive. Maya is also involved with Skills USA.
Maya describes herself as outgoing, creative, understanding, intelligent and an intellectual.
Whitney Boyd
Bronte High School
Bronte, Texas
Whitney is a continuing member of the TDS team at her school. She has participated in many events and contests held by the TDS. As a continuous member of the TAB, she plans to share ideas with others to help them at their school. Whitney is also in sports and believes that by working together, with other members they can accomplish many more projects.
Whitney describes herself as outgoing, energetic, kind, friendly and a perfectionist.
Merari Castillo
Alvin High School
Alvin, Texas
Merari is new to the TDS program. As a new member of the TAB, she wants to raise awareness about teen driver safety to all her peers. Merari is also an AVID ambassador and in the HALO Club.
Merari describes herself as eager, energetic, happy, fun and sweet.
Garrett Crawford
O’Connor High School
Helotes, Texas
Garrett is new to the TDS program. As a new member of the TAB, he wants to help spread safe driving messages to young teen drivers. Garrett has volunteered as part of the National Jr. Honor society. He is also an active member in the Future Farmers of America.
Garrett describes himself as fun, respectful, trustworthy, dependable and responsible.
Bryce Cunningham
Chisum High School
Paris, Texas
TAB Co-Chair
Bryce is a continuing member of the TDS team at his school. He has been with the TDS program for 2 years. As a continuous member of the TAB, he wants to continue to save more lives everyday by sharing the 5 risks of driving. Bryce is also involved with projects in his community and school.
Bryce describes himself as outgoing, funny, helpful, athletic and a leader.
Desirae Delk
Clinch County High School
Homerville, Georgia
Desirae is new to the TDS program. As a new member of the TAB, she wants to share with her peers the risks and consequences of their decisions while behind the wheel. Desirae has participated in multiple anti-bullying campaigns and rallies and is looking forward to incorporating the TDS program in those campaigns.
Desirae describes herself as loud, funny, respectful, talented and intelligent.
James Drexler
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
Pearland, Texas
James is a new member of the TDS team at his school, but he has followed the activities and the TDS organization through his older sister’s involvement on the TAB. As a new member of the TAB, he believes he can be part of helping achieve the organizations goals. James is also a member of Troop 370 of Boy Scouts of America and is working to complete his Eagle Scout project.
James describes himself as reliable, resourceful, focused, hard-working and a team player.
Kacelyn Follis
Bronte High School
Bronte, Texas
Kacelyn is a continuous member of the TDS team at her school. This will be her second year on the board. As a continuing member of the TAB, she is very motivated to continue to spread the word about safe driving. Kacelyn is also the upcoming president for her school’s student council program.
Kacelyn describes herself as outgoing, motivated, reliable, kind and inspiring.
Heaven Forsyth
Pepperell High School
Lindale, Georgia
Heaven is a new member of the TDS team at her school. She is part of her school’s SADD club in which she often speaks about the TDS program. As a member of the TAB, she wants to be able to save lives. Heaven is also involved in her local Driving Expo.
Heaven describes herself as friendly, artistic, faithful, committed and passionate.
Taylor Franklin
Creekview High School
Carrollton, Texas
TAB Co-Chair
Taylor is a continuous member of the TDS team at her school. This will be her second year on the board. As a continuing member of the TAB, she hopes to gather new ideas and new ways to reach to her peers. Taylor is also the vice-president of her school’s Student Council and is involved in several projects for her school and her community.
Taylor describes herself as outgoing, loyal, compassionate, diligent and optimistic.
Brandy Friedrichsen
Centura High School
Cairo, Nebraska
Brandy is a member of the TDS team at her school. As a member of the TAB, she wants to help her community and school learn more about the risks, distractions, and dangers of driving. Brandy is also a member of the FBLA, Student Council, One Act, and 4-H clubs.
Brandy describes herself as responsible, dependable, trustworthy and passionate.
Jileen Garcia
Chisum High School
Paris, Texas
Jileen is new to the TDS program. As a member of the TAB, she wants to share the TDS message with everyone who drives. Jileen also volunteers at her church with the youth where she also plans to share the TDS message.
Jileen describes herself as joyful, loving, outgoing, careful and helpful.
Pablo Garcia
C.C. Winn High School
Eagle Pass, Texas
Pablo is a returning member of the TDS team at his school. As a returning member of the TAB, he will continue to raise safe driving awareness to the best of his ability. Pablo is also his sophomore class president, Student Council reporter, a band member and winter guard.
Pablo describes himself as active, positive, believing, outgoing and a leader.
Kassandra Giraldo
East Stroudsburg Area High School South
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Kassie is new to the TDS program. She wants to be involved to show people that it’s not fun to be in a car accident. Kassie also wants to help people understand the importance of driving undistracted! She currently helps organize her school’s triathlon.
Kassandra describes herself as good, careful, fun, responsible and honest.
AJ Gonzales
Johnson High School
San Antonio, Texas
AJ has been on the TDS board at his school since 2014. He wants to spread the message that a single text is not worth risking your life on the road. He is a member of his school’s safe driving club called “Eyes on the Road.” AJ is currently Mr. Teen San Antonio and his platform is safe driving for teens.
AJ describes himself as positive, energetic, a team player, a leader and a hard worker.
Alexis Hadaway
Twiggs County High School
Jeffersonville, Georgia
Alexis has been a member of the TDS team at her school for a year and has been involved in many initiatives, including Cinema Drive, drunk goggle testing, open houses, surveys, and producing newspaper articles. She loves promoting the TDS message which is so important to her. Alexis is also on the honor roll.
Alexis describes herself as tenacious, determined, hardworking, intelligent and caring.
Kelcey Helmick
Conifer High School
Conifer, Colorado
This will be Kelcey’s second year working with the TDS team at her school. She likes being involved and helps teens recognize the huge dangers of driving and how they can be overcome. Kelcey has been involved with many initiatives, such as handing out items, setting up table tents, entering a parade, seat belt checks and many more. Her biggest strength is when she puts her mind to something; she doesn’t give up until she achieves it.
Kelcey describes herself as outgoing, passionate, motivated, quirky and social.
Christian Henk
Bandera High School
Bandera, Texas
Christian has been a TAB member for the past two years. He is dedicated to the cause and wants to make a difference, keep his friends alive, and improve the TDS program with his ideas. He is a people person, who is class president and a leader in his community. Christian also volunteers at his local church.
Christian describes himself as responsible, creative, dedicated, loyal and witty.
Carolina Juarez
Brandeis High School
San Antonio, Texas
Carolina knows that is important to be a safe driver in order to avoid serious accidents. She thinks she can help spread safety awareness to encourage other teen drivers to be smart on the road. Carolina is currently active in athletics, Student Council and Eco Broncos.
Carolina describes herself as happy, intelligent, respectful, responsible and dedicated.
Aidan Keane
Bandera High School
Bandera, Texas
This will be Aidan’s second year with the TDS program at his school. He feels his creativity is an asset to getting the message across that driving is a serious thing to fellow teens. He is currently junior class president and leads class fundraisers and activities.
Aidan describes himself as respectful, smart, social, creative and a leader.
Zakiya Lakha
Norfolk Senior High School
Norfolk, Nebraska
Zakiya has been a member of TDS program at her school for 3 years. She has spent many hours before and after school conducting seatbelt checks, as well as utilizing lunch periods to lead activities that promote safe driving. Zakiya strongly believes teenagers can prevent car accidents if they are aware of the dangers of driving.
Zakiya describes herself as hardworking, responsible, reliable, dedicated and trustworthy.
Ahmaris Lechuga
Center for Career and Technology Education
El Paso, Texas
This will be Ahmaris’ 2nd year as a board member with TDS. She has learned a lot about how a team works together to make plans and save lives. She enjoys talking to people and is good at convincing them of something she strongly believes in: driving safely! Ahmaris is also a volunteer with Crime Stoppers.
Ahmaris describes herself as active, responsible, social, a hard worker and a good listener.
Ashley Leonard
Brandeis High School
San Antonio, Texas
As a member of Student Council, Ashely has participated in all the TDS events that have been held at her school. She believes it is important to spread the message of the main dangers of teen driving to all new drivers, and to keep spreading the word to teens because education saves lives. Ashley has also been involved with numerous volunteer organizations and loves working as a team to accomplish things.
Ashley describes herself as hardworking, dedicated, attentive, fun-loving and responsible.
NeTania Livingston
Cypress Parks High School
Katy, Texas
Tania was introduced to the TDS program when a TDS representative visited her school to educate the students about the importance of safe driving amongst teenagers. She immediately wanted to learn more and become involved in spreading the message. Tania volunteers at the Houston Food Bank and has helped at an orphanage run by the YMCA.
Tania describes herself as intelligent, cheerful, creative, passionate and caring.
Abigail Mellon
Clear Creek High School
Evergreen, Colorado
Abbi learned about the TDS program when taking a driving lesson class and has jumped at the opportunity to help her fellow peers become involved and be safer drivers. She loves talking to others and making new friends, which will be an asset when spreading the message of safe driving. Abbi is very active in her community and is secretary of her school’s National Honor Society.
Abbi describes herself as independent, caring, motivated, energetic and a leader.
Rachel Mora
Nixon High School
Laredo, Texas
Rachel has been a member of the TDS program at her school since 2015 and helps out with all the events and activities. She would like to help her peers become safer and more cautious drivers. Rachel enjoys working as part of a team and is excited to be part of the TAB.
Rachel describes herself as dedicated, honest, caring, trustworthy and loyal.
Christian Morris
Sachem High School
Farmingville, New York
Christian has been organizing TDS activities in his school for the past 2 years. He wants to help other young adults become passionate about driving safe and doing the right things on the road. Christian has personally been affected by distracted drivers and wants to reduce the amount of driving related injuries in New York State, and hopefully the entire country.
Christian describes himself as determined, efficient, passionate, cooperative and enthusiastic.
Krystal Nelson
East Stroudsburg Area High School South
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Krystal wants be involved in promoting the message of not drinking and driving or any other type of distracted driving to her peers. She strongly believes in the TDS message and aims to spread it throughout her whole school and hopefully throughout the whole community. Krystal has been involved in the TDS program through her work with S.A.D.D. for the last year.
Krystal describes herself as a hard worker.
Giselle Pena
Martin High School
Laredo, Texas
Giselle wants to serve on the TAB in order to become more involved in the community. She is very good with words which will help communicate the dangers of not driving safely. Giselle has helped out VMT for the Hispanic festival and decorated floats for the parade.
Giselle describes herself as enthusiastic, tall, cheerful, friendly and having a good voice.
Nik Petty
Chapin High School
El Paso, Texas
Nik wants to serve on the TAB because as a teen that drives regularly, he notices many of his peers do not drive safely and he would like to change this. He wants to make the roads a safer place. One of Nik’s strengths is speaking confidently in front of groups, a skill that will help him promote safe driving messages.
Nik describes himself as funny, quirky, intelligent, respectful and confident.
Raquel Reyes
Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications & Fine Arts
Laredo, Texas
Raquel has been involved with planning many TDS events that highlight the dangers of driving with any kind of distractions. She would like to continue spreading this important message in order to reduce the number of teens involved in accidents. Raquel is vice president of her class and is an officer member of her student council.
Raquel describes herself as kind, organized, delightful, helpful and honorable.
Kaden Rickett
Ft. Collins High School
Fort Collins, Colorado
Kaden’s school has experienced the deaths of 2 students due to not wearing seatbelts and he wants to make sure no more lives are lost. He is currently learning how to drive and it is important to him to set an example to others about driving responsibly. Kaden has lots of experience of working as part of a team through Eagle Scouts, and volunteering with Project Cure.
Kaden describes himself as kind, appreciative, dependable, encouraging and responsible.
Eirik Skildheim
Conifer High School
Conifer, Colorado
Eirik has experience with the TDS program at his school and it’s been a big part of his life for the last 6 months. He wants to educate teens about safe driving, and more importantly, he wants to teach teens like himself how to help others. Eirik believes that when people get involved with this program, they save lives, and that’s his end goal. He has lots of experience working in teams through being class president and a member of student government.
Eirik describes himself as outgoing, smart, funny, adventurous and a leader.
Emily Spiekerman
O’Connor High School
Helotes, Texas
TAB Co-Secretary
Emily has been involved with TDS for the past year and started the TDS program at her school. She is passionate about advocating safe driving for everyone, especially teenagers. She believes many teens are not aware of the dangers they face behind the wheel, and think texting and driving is cool and just multitasking. Emily wants to make it clear it’s not! One of her strengths is team work and getting things done when needed.
Emily describes herself as trustworthy, honorable, responsible, noble and dependable.
Brent Uhing
Norfolk Senior High School
Norfolk, Nebraska
Brent has been on the TAB for the last 2 years, and wants to continue his mission to help teens become safer drivers. He believes this a big issue in our society that needs to be addressed directly. Brent believes in leading by example and never allows people to drive while distracted. He is also a part of his school’s JOOI club, which often focuses on safe driving.
Brent describes himself as kind, passionate, intelligent, caring and responsible.