St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School Wins $25,000 Celebrate my Drive Grant for Teen Driver Safety Efforts

For Immediate Release:

January 14, 2015

WEST ISLIP, NY – St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School is proud to announce that it has won a $25,000 award from the Celebrate My Drive Grant program powered by State Farm®. This grant is the result of St. John’s finishing among the top 100 out of 3,283 registered high schools in an online competition in which students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members made commitments to drive safely.

The effort was led by the St. John the Baptist S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) club and was embraced by the entire school community. A portion of the grant money will be used to fund a program that will bring awareness of the dangers of texting while driving to the school community. “This award is a testament to the magnificent school community here at St. John’s” said Assistant Principal Darius Penikas. “Through this program we were able to bring awareness to a very important issue and express our commitment to driver safety; we would like to thank State Farm® and the Celebrate My Drive program for this wonderful opportunity”.

Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and the first year behind the wheel is the most dangerous. Celebrate My Drive is an opportunity to celebrate new drivers and the freedom as well as the responsibility that comes with earning a driver’s license. It’s a chance for teens and their high schools to amplify conversations about this important topic and help be part of the solution. Celebrate My Drive asks all drivers to think 2n2®: 2 eyes on the road and 2 hands on the wheel. Safe driving starts with this simple message and with each driver and passenger.

Pictured in Photo from left to right:  Nan Doherty, Principal, Darius Penikas, Assistant Principal, SJB S.A.D.D. Club student members and Mark Raymond of the Mark Raymond State Farm Agency in West Islip.

About St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School

About St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School: 1,700 students attend St. John the Baptist DHS, a college preparatory Catholic High School located on the south shore in West Islip. As part of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, St. John’s offers a value-centered education that recognizes the unique talents and abilities of each child, while fostering a school environment that challenges students to reach their true potential. Open since 1966, St. John’s offers a rigorous curriculum and extensive activity and athletic programs. Students have the opportunity to take numerous Advanced Placement classes and 99% of St. John’s graduates continue on to higher education. For Mission Statement and additional information: http://www.stjohnsdhs.org/

Contact: Mrs. Trish O’Donnell

631.587.8000, ext. 125