STORM WATCH

Tracking gusty winds, rain and snow on the way for Connecticut starting tonight

Teen hopes to put drunken driving at forefront

At Robek's in Westport, the health-conscious patron can order smoothies in just about every flavor and color. But Ashley Hefnawy is offering something different. Hefnawy, a junior at Staples High School,

News 12 Staff

Jun 9, 2008, 1:08 AM

Updated 6,022 days ago

Share:

At Robek's in Westport, the health-conscious patron can order smoothies in just about every flavor and color.
But Ashley Hefnawy is offering something different.
Hefnawy, a junior at Staples High School, is selling green bracelets here to make teens aware of the dangers of drunken driving.
She came up with the idea after her school's Grim Reaper Day.
?A lot of students and teachers and parents that I had known,? Hefnawy says. ?They were sharing their drinking-and-driving stories, and it was really something, it hit me hard.?
The conversations inspired the 17-year-old to create the bracelet.
?I'm ecstatic, I really am,? Hefnawy says. ?I can't believe it's come this far.?
Jason Balogh, co-owner of Robek's, is impressed by Hefnawy?s mission.
?I think she's amazing,? he says. ?I think somebody at her age trying to do something like this is unbelievable.?
The green bracelets sell for $1.50 and any profits will go to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Hefnawy says her biggest gain will be awareness.
?If I can get my message out to at least 100 people and only 10 listen, then I've done something,? she says.