It was a somber morning Thursday at Benicia High School. A group of students gathered during the school’s new Access period to hear the story of a young woman whose life was taken by a drunken driver and take the pledge not to drink and drive.
The assembly began with an introduction by students involved with Friday Night Live, an organization which promotes life choices for young adults. The program has been a part of Benicia High for the past two years.
“We think that it is important for you to be informed about staying safe on the road” Kirsten Lambinico, an FNL student student leader said. “For you, it’s probably a no duh that you shouldn’t drive while you are drunk, but it still happens and that’s why we are talking about this.”
Lynne Goodwin then came up to the stage and began telling the story of her daughter Casey.
In 2003, 20-year-old Casey Goodwin of Exeter was driving home from Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo to see her family and her little siblings’ swim meet. While driving home, a drunken driver collided with Goodwin’s car. She died in the hospital. Casey planned to become a teacher before passing and actively worked to prevent DUIs and other alcohol-related issues, including as a member of FNL while a student at Exeter Union High School.
“I am not here to tell you about all the sad parts about this,” Lynne Goodwin said. “What I am here to do is to help you understand you are connected to us.”
Following her death, Casey’s family worked with then-California Attorney General Bill Lockyer to form the TRACE act. The TRACE act allows officers the chance to assess if people under the age of 21 have purchased or consumed alcohol and hold Alcohol Beverage Control licensed businesses responsible for selling alcohol illegally.
“I am not going to say do not drink and drive,” Goodwin said. “I will stand here and tell you don’t drink. You are under 21. It’s against the law for a reason. Your brain does not completely develop until you are 24, that’s why the definition of youth is 24 and under. “
The assembly ended with students signing gold stars and taking Casey’s Pledge. For more information on the pledge and Casey Goodwin’s story, go to caseygoodwin.org/caseyspledge_main.htm.

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