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The Halifax County and Randolph-Henry high school YOVASO clubs were among 22 award winners recognized during the annual Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) Awards Ceremony held Tuesday, Sept. 29, for the first time virtually via Facebook Live.

Both schools were recognized for continuing to maintain the same high level of performance and best practices for peer-to-peer traffic safety programs.

Monique Williams, teacher and YOVASO club sponsor at Randolph-Henry, was also recognized for her support and guidance as a first year advisor for the club. Halifax County received an award for their club’s efforts to promote passenger safety.

The YOVASO Awards Ceremony was made possible by a grant from State Farm and other private donations. Dave White, insurance agent with State Farm in Halifax Co., joined YOVASO with honoring the schools, students, teachers, and law enforcement from across Virginia who demonstrated exemplary efforts during the 2019-2020 school year to encourage safe driving and passenger safety among teenagers.

Outstanding Club Recognition Award: Randolph-Henry High School (Charlotte Co.) In recognition of a club that continues to maintain the same high level of performance and best practices for peer-to-peer traffic safety programs.  

New YOVASO Sponsor of the Year Award: Monique Williams, Randolph-Henry High School (Charlotte Co.) In recognition of a teacher’s outstanding support and guidance to the school’s traffic safety club during the teacher’s first year as advisor for the club.

“It is important to recognize our students, schools, youth groups, and law enforcement for helping to save lives on Virginia’s highways,” Mary King, YOVASO program manager, said. “Peer-to-peer programs are key to changing behavior and influencing safe drivers. We are proud and thankful for everyone’s dedication and hard work this past year to promote youth traffic safety.”

YOVASO is Virginia›s peer-to-peer education and leadership program for teen driver and passenger safety. YOVASO is a program of the Virginia State Police and is funded by a grant from the Virginia DMV. Membership in YOVASO is free and open to all Virginia high schools, middle schools, and youth groups. YOVASO currently has 78 active member schools.