Driving Change: Meet Inspiring Students Shaping Safer Roads
Meet the 2024 Intoxalock Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship winner and runners-up.
If you had the opportunity to create an awareness video on the dangers of drunk driving, what would you choose?
This was the question more than 330 college students from across the country responded to as part of the annual Intoxalock Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes young leaders who are making a difference in the fight against impaired driving.
We are thrilled to announce our three finalists for the 2024 Intoxalock Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship:
- Winner: Shawn Bulloch, who imagined how drunk driving would impact his grandmother.
- Runner-up: Porter Christensen, whose creative video editing immediately grabs your attention.
- Runner-up: Kiara Mastin, who envisioned a “choose your own adventure” where you take the lead.
We were blown away by all the students using their voices and creativity to champion safer roads for all. And we’re happy to introduce you to our winners!
Celebrating Our 2024 Scholarship Winner: Shawn Bulloch
This year’s winner, Shawn Bulloch, is an ambitious marketing major at the University of Georgia. Shawn’s application stood out for its emotional depth, creativity, and the clarity of its call to action. His PSA video guides viewers through pivotal life milestones such as graduating, surviving cancer, and embracing a second chance at life, before underscoring how one careless decision can end it all in a drunk driving crash.
In Shawn’s own words from his video:
“Devices such as Intoxalock help ensure that a new life won’t turn into no life.”
Watch Shawn’s Winning Submission
Why We Chose Shawn: Smart Choices That Will Save Lives
Shawn exemplifies what this scholarship is all about, which is using education and communication as tools to drive change and reduce drunk driving. What makes his message so compelling is how thoughtfully it’s built. Shawn tells a moving story of how graduation, a moment designed to celebrate new life and fresh beginnings, can be tragically taken away by one reckless choice. It reminds us that drunk driving claim lives, and interrupts futures.
“That is why our company remains committed to reducing alcohol-related crashes and helping restore individual freedom to drive,” says Kathy Boden Holland, Chief Executive Officer at Mindr. “Shawn’s work is a shining example of how young leaders can leverage tools to educate and advocate for real solutions. We congratulate Shawn on his graduation and are proud to support his career journey.”
Why Did Shawn Apply for the Intoxalock Scholarship?
Shawn’s motivation to apply for the scholarship came from a deep sense of responsibility:
“Every time that I hear a story about casualties due to drunk driving, my heart aches for everyone involved because such incidents are truly preventable. Education surrounding drunk driving and its impacts is crucial today. If I have even a small part in spreading awareness for drivers’ safety, I feel I have accomplished my goal of promoting the educational advancement of society.”
How Will the Intoxalock Scholarship Impact Shawn’s Life?
Shawn says the scholarship will certainly alleviate some of the financial burden that is associated with attending college. But more importantly, Shawn says it will motivate him to speak up on issues that continuously affect communities.
“Education is the best tool for generating true change, and I want to be someone who uses knowledge to move our society forward,” he says.
What Does Shawn Plan to Do in the Future?
Shawn’s passion for visual storytelling and education is evident throughout his submission. He hopes to continue building his wedding photography business while also working at a digital marketing agency after graduation.
Learn More About the 2024 Intoxalock Scholarship Winner
Congratulations from all of us at Intoxalock! We encourage everyone to follow Shawn’s journey and advocacy work on Instagram at @Shawn_B322.
Honoring Our Runner-Up: Porter Christensen
We also want to recognize Porter Christensen, one of our 2024 runners-up, for his thoughtful contribution and commitment to road safety. Porter, an advertising major at Brigham Young University, impressed the judges with his vibrant editing skills that grab your attention right away with his videos. It’s clear Porter appreciates the art of filmmaking, and he certainly brought a cinematic element to his PSA.
Watch Porter’s Video
Steering the Conversation on Drunk Driving
Porter’s application reflected his genuine concern for the families and lives affected by drunk driving and a strong belief in the power of collective action.
“I’ve seen loads of stories and articles about lives and families affected by individuals that didn’t take the precautions necessary to avoid accidents or casualties. I just wanted an opportunity to be a part of the conversation toward a better future, in whatever way I could be.”
What’s Next for Porter?
Porter’s goal after graduation is to join a content or media team, where he hopes to use his skills to make a positive impact. You can follow Porter’s creative work and advocacy on Instagram at @mr.porterc.
Meet Kiara Mastin, Runner-Up: Intoxalock Scholarship
Congratulations goes to Kiara Mastin, a psychology major at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor for her runners-up winning video for the 2024 Intoxalock Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship. Kiara says she was drawn to how the scholarship fostered creativity from its applicants.
I chose to apply for the Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship because it wasn't like typical scholarships that ask essay questions on similar topics; it called for a certain level of creativity and individuality, which I really appreciated,” she says. “As much as I love writing, the chance to come up with a unique way to spread awareness about something as important as drunk driving was too good to pass up.”
And as our judges noted, Kiara definitely rose to the challenge. You can watch Kiara’s submission below.
Advocating for Avoidable Accidents
An Intoxalock breathalyzer is a small device installed in your car that prevents you from driving if you’ve been drinking. It works by requiring you to blow into it, checking your Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) before allowing the car to start. Kiara created a “choose your own adventure” video showcasing how these inventions save lives, especially when someone voluntarily installs an IID.
Kiara says drinking and driving deaths are avoidable and she wanted to be a part of something that could help save lives.
Big Dreams Ahead
After college, Kiara would like to go to graduate school to earn her Ph.D. in psychology. With her doctoral degree, Kiara plans on becoming a child psychologist and using her education to help as many children and families as possible.
Why Intoxalock Sponsors the Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship
At Intoxalock, our mission is to ensure safer roads by preventing drunk driving. As a leading provider of ignition interlock devices, we see firsthand the devastating impact impaired driving can have on individuals, families, and communities. Our scholarship program raises awareness, inspires action, and empowers the next generation to lead the way in road safety.
Check out last year’s winning video!
Every year, we invite students to create a compelling 30-60 second Public Service Announcement (PSA) video that highlights the dangers of drunk driving and showcases solutions, including the role of ignition interlock devices. Through this creative challenge, we aim to amplify the voices of young advocates and foster a culture of responsibility and prevention.
The Importance of Youth Advocacy in Drunk Driving Prevention
Drunk driving remains a serious public safety issue, with thousands of lives lost each year. College students face unique risks and pressures related to impaired driving. By empowering students to create and share their own messages, we hope to foster a culture where safety, responsibility, and prevention are at the forefront.
The creativity and sincerity of this year’s applicants remind us that real change is possible when young leaders are given the tools and platform to speak out. Ignition interlock devices, like those provided by Intoxalock, are proven solutions that separate drinking from driving and help prevent tragedies before they happen.
Championing the Young Leaders Fighting Drunk Driving
We are grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s scholarship competition. The passion, ingenuity, and empathy shown by all applicants give us hope for a future with safer roads and fewer preventable tragedies. We look forward to continuing this tradition and supporting the next generation of advocates.
Congratulations again to Shawn Bulloch, Porter Christensen, and Kiara Mastin. Your voices matter, and your work is already making a difference.
For more information about the Intoxalock Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship and how to apply, please visit our scholarship page.
Together, we can drive change. One story, one voice, one safe decision at a time.
