In memory of Samantha Buis and Donovan Rodriguez

On September 7, 2008 two China Spring High School seniors were killed on their way back home from work on Highway 6. They both worked at J.C. Pennys at our local mall. They crossed over a median and hit another vehicle head on. Both were ejected from the car before the impact from the other car. They were both 17 years of age and full of life. Samantha Buis, my best friend, was the driver of the vehicle. No one knows why she swerved over but she was going 79 miles per hour when they crossed the median and hit a metal guard rail. Donovan Rodriguez, her boyfriend, was also full of life. When you saw them walking down the hall, you just had to smile. They seriously made your day. Every day. The two passengers of the other vehicle were older and on their way home from visiting family members. They were an aunt and an uncle to another China Spring senior. I am eighteen years old. I just want to say to all other teenagers: BE SAFE WHEN YOU’RE DRIVING!!!! ALL IT TAKES IS A SINGLE SECOND TO CHANGE EVERYTHING!!! NEXT TIME YOUR TEXTING AND DRIVING, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, SPEEDING, DRIVING WHEN YOU’RE TIRED, THINK!!!! SERIOUSLY!! THINK: DO I WANT TO PUT MY PARENTS THROUGH THIS? DO I WANT TO LEAVE MY FRIENDS BEHIND? IS ALL THE PAIN I’M GOING TO COST PEOPLE REALLY WORTH THIS TEXT OR THIS RACE? NO! IT’S NOT!! I go by and see her mom as often as I can. I hope you never have to look into a mothers eyes and see that pain. I hope you never have to go to your best friend’s funeral and say your last goodbyes. So, please please PLEASE think!! Always look both ways. Drive the speed limit. Don’t text!! Don’t drink and drive, don’t get in the car with anyone who has been drinking.

- LA
Waco, TX