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At Stockton University, Alexa Moore established a designated driving program, for which she was recognized.
Alexa Moore was shocked to learn that Sigma Delta Tau was the only sorority at Stockton University that used a third-party vehicle service for social events when she joined.
When the student from Toms River was chosen this year to serve as the risk management chair of the sorority's executive board, it was the first thing she modified.
The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers chose Moore last week as the 2023 Stockton HERO of the Year in large part due to the designated driver program she founded, which makes use of other Sigma Delta Tau members as drivers.
Moore made a statement that was provided by Stockton in which she said, "I could not be more proud to be aligned with something like this." I've worked really heard in my life to make myself proud of what I'm doing, and I think this might be my proudest achievement so far."
Moore will be featured on billboards and posters throughout campus that encourage the usage of designated drivers.
Donovan Catholic alumnus Moore said, "I'm sure my mom is going to make me take a picture with it, everywhere." But I'm really excited to be the face of the HERO Campaign for the next year. It's a great thing to be a part of."
“As a nursing major this is something I feel really strongly that needs to change in the world," Moore said. "We need to have better programs to allow people to not feel like they have to get behind the wheel.”
Bill Elliott, the creator of the HERO Campaign, claimed that 2016 had a record number of student nominations (16) for the initiative. In addition to Moore, two other Stockton students were recognized at the ceremony: second-place finisher Sarah Cipkins of Somers Point and first-runner-up Molly Schick of Marlton, Burlington County.
He remarked that the young women who were nominated and chosen were fantastic examples and undoubtedly will continue to save lives in the future.
From left, Sarah Cipkins, second runner-up; Alexa Moore, 2023 Stockton HERO of the Year; and Molly Schick, runner-up. Moore, a junior from Toms River, will be featured as part of the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers.
The HERO Campaign is named in honor of Ensign John R. Elliott, a resident of Egg Harbor Township and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who was killed in a drunk driving accident in 2000 while returning home to celebrate his mother's birthday. That year, his family launched the HERO Campaign.
Since 2010, Stockton has collaborated with the HERO Campaign on the HERO of the Year program and the HERO Games, which are held on campus and feature competitions between members of the university's Greek organizations to promote the campaign. Before the games started this year, 156 students made the HERO pledge. Additionally, the HERO Campaign collaborated with Stockton fraternities and sororities to host a second Greek Week Penny Drive, which raised close to $600.
Elliott said it’s all part of a comprehensive plan to change people’s behavior around drinking and driving.
“We’d like to change the meaning of some terms like happy hour and life of the party,” he said. “The real life of the party is the designated driver that enables other people to have fun and still be safe. And the happiest ones at Happy Hour are those who get a ride home from someone who makes sure they get home safely.”