Gov. Jay Nixon’s office recognized youth leadership teams from around the state for their contributions to promoting safe driving habits among youth in their communities March 2 at the Capital Plaza Hotel.

A special proclamation was awarded to 11 Missouri high schools. Barb Shimmens, director of constituent services for Gov. Nixon, presented the proclamation. The youth teams were in Jefferson City March 1-2 for a Team Spirit Reunion. The two-day reunion included workshops and presentations about traffic safety.

Team Spirit is a statewide program sponsored by the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division that is committed to empowering youth to take an active role in preventing alcohol and other drug use and the impaired driving that accompanies such use.

After an initial training session, Team Spirit youth create and implement action plans addressing underage drinking, drinking and driving, driver inattention, and promoting safety belt use through events and activities to be implemented within their schools and communities. The two-day reunion provides the teams the opportunity to share ideas with other teams and gain additional knowledge.

“One in four Missouri traffic crashes involves drivers under the age of 21,” said Leanna Depue, director of Highway Safety. “Team Spirit gives students the skills to impact their peers in a very positive way.”

Team Spirit is available to all schools in Missouri. For more information about how your school can become involved in this program call 1-800-800-BELT (2358).