The 2018 White Ribbon Weeks have begun in Santa Clarita, as law enforcement officials encourage students to drive safe during the upcoming graduation season.

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, according to officials.

Prior to high school graduation ceremonies each year, a Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s deputy visits 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.

“We want kids to make good choices,” said Deputy Cheryl Hartman of the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department.

The class of 2018 ribbons are attached to a list of 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.

“These are kids that came here, and they were just like me,” said Davon Jones, a graduating senior from Hart High School. “This could happen to anybody, we all could go through this and put our families in misery. It kind of opened my eyes to be more careful each day and be grateful.”

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.

“The White Ribbon Campaign is about encouraging high school seniors to drive safe during graduation week,” said 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.”

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

“It is important for us to promote not only just the wellness and health, but also the safety of everybody else here in the community,” said Emily Kim, marketing specialist for the community benefit department of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

For more information, call (661) 200-1306.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Frontier Toyota, Safe Rides and the City of Santa Clarita are sponsoring the 2018 White Ribbon Weeks for Santa Clarita, which is scheduled to run from May 20 to June 2.

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