In a ceremony that spotlighted dedication and advocacy for safe driving, Colin Wojciechowski, a dedicated junior from Marlton, New Jersey, clinched the title of 2024 HERO of the Year at Stockton University. The prestigious accolade, granted by the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers, was announced during an event held at the campus coffeehouse on April 18th, underscoring Stockton’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and responsible community.

Wojciechowski, majoring in Marine Biology, has distinguished himself through his consistent commitment to ensuring his friends’ safety by serving as a designated driver. This selfless service led him to be nominated for the award seven times by his peers. The HERO of the Year award ceremonially recognizes a student who exemplifies exceptional dedication to preventing drunk driving by acting as a reliable designated driver.

“Winning this award means a lot to me since I have known people personally who have been victims of drunk drivers,” Wojciechowski shared, shortly after the announcement. Holding a poster that read, “Be Like Colin. Be A Designated Driver,” he added, “It’s crucial that we all commit to keeping our roads safe. If by being a designated driver, I can play a part in that, then I am all in.”

The event also honored Olivia Thoms from Absecon as the first runner-up and Sarah Goodrich from Hammonton as the second runner-up, both of whom have contributed significantly to promoting safe driving practices within the Stockton University community.

Wojciechowski’s recognition will extend beyond the campus, as he is set to be featured on signage around Stockton University and on a prominent highway billboard along the Atlantic City Expressway. This campaign aims to amplify the vital message of the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers directly, encouraging others to follow in Wojciechowski’s footsteps.

The HERO of the Year award is a keystone initiative of the HERO Campaign®, a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Ensign John R. Elliott. Elliott, an Egg Harbor Township local and US Naval Academy graduate, tragically lost his life in 2000 due to a drunk driving incident. Since then, the Elliott family has championed the cause of preventing drunk driving through the promotion of designated driver programs.

Stockton University’s partnership with the HERO Campaign® since 2010 has led to the creation of meaningful programs like the HERO of the Year and the HERO Games, engaging students and the broader community in lifesaving dialogues and activities centered around responsible drinking and driving practices.

The HERO Campaign continues to work closely with law enforcement, educational institutions, and communities to build awareness and curb alcohol-related accidents and fatalities through its advocacy for the appointment of sober drivers.

Colin Wojciechowski held up a poster after he was named the 2024 Stockton HERO of the Year. Wojciechowski will be featured on signage around campus and on a highway billboard, promoting the message of being a designated driver HERO.

From left, Colin Wojciechowski, 2024 Stockton HERO of the Year; Olivia Thoms, first runner-up; and Sarah Goodrich, second runner-up.

About the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers:

The HERO Campaign was established by the family of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, who was killed in a July 2000 collision with a drunken driver two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. The Campaign is now saving lives in seven states in partnership with law enforcement; schools and colleges; federal and state highway safety organizations; the licensed beverage industry; professional sports teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Giants, and the New England Patriots; Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby; and Keeneland Racecourse, home of the 2015 Breeder’s Cup. Since its inception in 2000, the HERO Campaign has grown into a major grassroots movement to prevent impaired driving that has received national recognition and awards. It has also helped to reduce alcohol-related fatalities and incidents, including a 20 percent reduction in DUI fatalities in New Jersey and other states over the past decade. For more information visit HEROcampaign.org or call 609-626-3880.