By Ember McElrath

Kansas Department of Transportation’s SAFE program is designed to encourage students to wear their seatbelts. Kayden Presnell is a student at Tescott High School and has been involved with the SAFE program since his freshman year. Kayden is extremely proud to be part of such a great organization that helps to promote safety.

“Representing my school means to promote safety in my community and make sure everyone is being the safest they can and knows what to do in case of an emergency,” said Kayden.

For Kayden, the SAFE program isn’t just a regular high school club, but it is something close to his heart and for good reason.

“It is important to be part of the SAFE program because there are so many casualties due to car accidents,” said Kayden. “I personally have been in a car accident and I was lucky enough I was wearing my seatbelt.”

Kayden has great goals when it comes to this organization.

“I hope that we can decrease the amount of accidents and make sure the kids who are our future will be the safest they can possibly be,” said Kayden.

Not only is Kayden proud to be part of such an amazing program like SAFE, but he is also a proud Tescott High student-athlete.

“Being a student-athlete at Tescott is honestly amazing,” he said. “Yes, we may be a small school and we may not be able to go out and win consecutive state titles, but there is an amazing family aspect. When you’re part of an athletic team at Tescott, you know you’re cared for.”

Being part of a great program like SAFE helps to create a great bond between Kayden and his teammates because they all have a drive to help keep kids safe.

“We all want to see people being the safest they can, and we all have a great bond and can work with the community really well,” said Kayden.

Kayden participates in cross country, track, cheer, basketball, and scholar’s bowl as well as the SAFE program. After high school, Kayden plans to pursue a degree and become a physician’s assistant.