ERIC BRADY The Roanoke Times

Morgan Dillon, who graduated from Franklin County High School and Ferrum College, is the new program development coordinator for Youth of Virginia Speak Out.

Twisted metal. The rhythmic flash of red and blue lights. High school students filling a football stadium to mourn.

These images changed Morgan Dillon's attitude toward driving in 2005 when she was just 17 years old. Dillon was one of hundreds of students attending a "mock crash" and "mock funeral" at Franklin County High School, where she was enrolled.

These mock events were organized by Youth of Virginia Speak Out, a safe-driving advocate club designed for teenagers. During these mock events, many students experienced what it would be like to witness the aftermath of an automobile wreck. Dillon explained that this event deepened her commitment to the group and set her on a lifelong path.

"When I looked in the stadium and saw my friends crying, I knew that was when I wanted to get more involved," Dillon said.

Dillon, now 21, recently graduated from Ferrum College with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Sticking to her original commitment, Dillon began her new career this week as the program development coordinator for YOVASO.

Elizabeth Ferguson, education and marketing coordinator for YOVASO, said Dillon has taken on a greater role over the past few years than just being a member of the school group.

Dillon "has invested many years into making the organization a stronger unit for students across the state," Ferguson said.

In 2006, Dillon became president of Franklin County High's YOVASO group. She inspired her fellow students and gained statewide attention.

Mary King, YOVASO program administrator, said Dillon was recognized as "Shining Star Student," and "YOVASO Student of the Year." King said she appreciates Dillon's approach and said that her perspective will add to the group's creativity.

"Morgan has always loved this program and understands how it should work from the student perspective and the organization perspective, so we are very fortunate," King said.

Dillon said her first big job responsibility will be to organize a grand finale party for her alma mater. Franklin County High won the recent "Save Your Tail-Gate, Buckle Up" campaign and will receive the party as a reward.

As Dillon looks to the future, she said she is making plans to expand on what is already being done. She said she would like make the summer training retreat a little longer and add a Halloween campaign to many YOVASO groups' schedules.

Most importantly, Dillon added, she looks forward to making a difference for Virginia teen drivers. "By encouraging teens to take a stand against their number one killer, I feel like we can save precious lives."

YOVASO is a nonprofit organization and is federally funded by a grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Dillon said her position was recently added to YOVASO's administrative staff.

For more information, go to www.yovaso.net.