Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Frontier Toyota in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Safe Rides and the city of Santa Clarita are proud to help sponsor the 2018 White Ribbon Weeks in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The campaign began in 1997 in response to concerns over a large number of local teenagers who lost their lives in vehicular collisions as a result of a bad decision to drive recklessly or while impaired.

Prior to graduation ceremonies each year, a Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Deputy visits local high school senior class assemblies and distributes white ribbons attached to cards listing the names of Santa Clarita Valley youth ages 14 to 20 killed in traffic collisions. This year’s White Ribbon Weeks are May 20th to June 2nd.

The White Ribbon card for the Class of 2006 listed 24 students killed since 2000. This year’s Class of 2018 lists the names of seven teens killed since 2013: Sarah Alarid, Albert B. Castro, Collin Gore, Nicole Lynn Hoffman, Madeline “Mads” Rossiter, Wyatt Anthony Savaikie and Jennifer Stift.

Teens are asked to wear the ribbons during their graduation ceremonies in memory of those who have lost their lives. The ribbons also provide a drive safe message in hopes of encouraging students to have fun during their celebrations without engaging in high-risk activities, such as impaired driving, to prevent any further traffic collisions.

“The White Ribbon Campaign is about encouraging high school seniors to drive safe during graduation week,” said Deputy Hartman. “We want to educate students about safe driving and avoiding distractions such as cell phones or driving while impaired. We’re asking the students to wear the white ribbon on their graduation gown not only to show respect for those teenagers we’ve lost, but also to remember to make smart choices during graduation time. This can be a dangerous time in a teenager’s life as a result of being fatigued from studying for finals and celebrating their accomplishments.”

Local residents are also encouraged to wear white ribbons and show their support. Free white ribbons can be picked up at the following sponsor locations: Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Gift Shop, Frontier Toyota and Santa Clarita City Hall.

Deputy Hartman and the campaign sponsors are hopeful that the white ribbon will serve as a reminder for everyone to drive safely.

For more information, please call (661) 200.1306.