Every year, VIP gives $500 scholarships to seniors from Warren County schools.

This year’s recipients are: Olivia Egger, Dilyn Moore, Connor Finch, Jakob Turk, and Jastin Darts.

Darts, graduating from Eisenhower High School, plans to attend Pennsylvania Gunsmith School.

Turk, graduating from Warren Area High School, plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Photo submitted to Times Observer Maurice and Janis Godden of the Warren County Victim Impact Panel congratulate 2023 scholarship recipient Olivia Egger at a ceremony at the Warren County Courthouse.

Finch, graduating from Sheffield Area High School, plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Moore, graduating from Youngsville High School, plans to attend Jamestown Community College.

Egger, graduating from Tidioute Community Charter School, plans to attend Allegheny College.

The scholarships are awarded to seniors from each county high school based on essays about the impacts of drunk driving.

VIP panelists whose lives have been impacted by drunk drivers speak to groups of DUI offenders as part of sentencing requirements.

But, the panel is not a reprimand or a punishment for DUI, according to the VIP website. It is an attempt to prevent further offending. “Our panelists share their stories of loss with both adults and juveniles in hopes of bringing awareness to the senseless tragedy that can result from this behavior.”

“They do not engage in accusing or preaching,” according to the Website. “They simply relate their experiences as a victim of DUI. Drinking is a personal choice and, quite frankly, none of our business. Drinking and driving, however, is everyone’s problem. All it takes is one bad decision.”