Teens behind the wheel and in control at roadeo
The 16th annual Teen Driving Roadeo, sponsored by Safe Kids Tuscarawas, was held April 28, at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds. Nine of the 10 area high schools participated on a chilly day to win cash prizes and bragging rights plus a trophy for the best and most prepared drivers in a variety of driving safety categories. All the students answered two short-answer essay questions on timely topics such as texting and driving and their thoughts on the proposed Ohio legislation. In addition, students took a 100 question test based on the Ohio Drivers Digest, and had to maneuver cars (borrowed from Parkway Nissan Lincoln Mercury) through five different maneuverability scenarios. Area law enforcement agencies, including Dover, Strasburg, Dennison, Ohio State Patrol, Tuscarawas County Sheriffs Department, and Gnadenhutten loaned officers to grade the students driving abilities in the scenarios. This gave the students and officers a chance for some fun in an unofficial setting, while teaching students how to better handle themselves on the road. Students were asked to participate in educational sessions including Humphries mechanic, Bob Colburn, who had some students change a tire and check fluid levels and tire pressure on a car and Cathy Clarke, from the Tuscarawas County coroners office, who showed the consequences of distracted driving. Students participating this year were:Claymont – Coordinator: Susan Burdette. Students: Chad Walker, Jordan Smith, Morgan McAfee, Daniel Warnes, Kelsey Golec, Tyler BeckleyDover – Coordinator: Dan Ifft. Students: Alex Aubihl, Andrew Bache, Cameron Casimir, Kory Ward, Marcus Mamarella, Adam MossGaraway – Coordinator: Chip Amicone. Students: Hunter Shaw, Collin Engstrom, Greg Moomaw, Brennan Mullet, Cole Zahner, Paul HonigfordIndian Valley – Coordinator: Jake Love. Students: Kelly VonKaenel, Justin Rentsch, Jessy Shear, Logan Cozart, Angela Barlock, Johnny IacobucciNew Philadelphia – Coordinator: Bob Gasser. Students: Carley Shelley, Danielle Ledrich, Katlyn Beavers, Tyler Schweitzer, Joe Behrendt, Zachary DenhamNewcomerstown – Coordinator: Josh Branch. Students: Chelsea Fenton, Tyler Craigo, Jansen Lenzo, Eric Martin, Chelsea Bryant, Kyrstin RaachStrasburg – Coordinator: Bob Hartline. Students: Matt Bender, Michalea King, Ryan Bell, Ethan Edie, Chase Willis, Connor EckhartTuscarawas Central Catholic – Coordinator: Ron McConnell. Students: Millie Patchan, Tyler Sunderlin, Anthony Pruni, Megan Bridges, Becky Russell, Chris DelGalloTuscarawas Valley High School – Coordinator: Dale Martini. Students: Craig Miller, Carley Hull, Tyler Kubina, Zach Soehnlen, Ethan Weisgarber, Deanna HoaglandThe school winner of a trophy donated by Dover and New Philadelphia police chiefs with the best overall score was Garaway High School with a score of 4,215. Placing first in overall driving skills was Johnny Iacobucci of Indian Valley, winning $300; second place with $200 was Conner Eckhart of Strasburg; third with $100 was Ethan Edie of Strasburg; fourth with $75 was Justin Rentsch of Indian Valley; and fifth place winning $50 was Eric Martin of Newcomerstown. Placing first and winning $300 in the written test was Carley Hull of Tuscarawas Valley; second with $200 was Hunter Shaw of Garaway; third with $100 was Logan Cozart of Indian Valley; fourth with $75 was Paul Honigford of Garaway; and fifth with $50 was Carly Shelley of New Philadelphia. Individual event winners all winning $25 were: Michalea King of Strasburg for best test question score; Kyrstin Raach of Newcomerstown for best short answer essay; Cameron Casimir of Dover for best score in the star; Chelsea Fenton of Newcomerstown for best score on the serpentine; Tyler Sunderlin of Tuscarawas Central Catholic for best score on the backing and lane change; Janson Lenzo of Newcomerstown for best score on parallel parking right; and Chelsea Bryant of Newcomerstown for best score on parallel parking left.
