KSNV News: Boulder City Student Wins New Car in Sam & Ash Safe Teen Driving Essay Contest
Sam & Ash Injury Law, in collaboration with several local organizations, announced the winners of the second annual Safe Teen Driving Essay Contest.
The contest, launched in August 2025, encouraged teens to reflect on safe driving. Participants submitted essays on “What Safe Driving Means to Me,” drawing more than 400 entries from across Nevada.
Grand prize winner River Schenk, a Boulder City High School student, received a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T Sport. He was surprised with the car during a recent school assembly.
River’s essay and video shared the tragic loss of a childhood friend in a school zone crash — an event that inspired Rex’s Law in 2023. Contest judges praised its emotional clarity.
“River’s essay and video really hit home,” said Ash Watkins, partner at Sam & Ash Injury Law. “To lose a childhood friend in front of the school they attended together had a substantial impact… River turned that into a learning experience to spread the message of safe driving.”
River said, “I can’t believe I’m actually taking home a new car. I entered because the topic is personal to me, and I hoped my story might help others think twice when they’re behind the wheel. I’m really thankful.”
Other winners: Jazmin Castro from UNLV ($5,000 scholarship) and Zaavie Broadbent from College of Southern Nevada ($1,000 + MacBook).
The contest highlights teen driving risks, as drivers under 20 are the largest group of distracted drivers in fatal crashes, making up only 5% of Nevada drivers but 10% of crashes.
Sam & Ash thank all participants for taking the pledge to support road safety.
(Source: KSNV News – full story and video available HERE)
For more, visit samandashlaw.com.
