Jacqui Saburido presents the award to Research and Grant Program Manager Ann Blankenship, left, and Judicial Resource Liaison David Hodges.

Congratulations to the DWI Grant Project!

Because of its significant contributions in assisting in preventing drunken driving deaths and injuries in Texas, the Texas Center for the Judiciary received the 2009 Jacqueline Saburido Award at this year’s Save a Life Summit in San Antonio. This award is presented each year by the Texas Department of Transportation to a non-law enforcement individual or organization that has made significant contributions to assist in preventing drunk driving deaths and injuries in Texas. The Texas Center qualified for this award because its outstanding TxDOT-funded grant programs such as DWI Court Team Training, Texas Judicial College for the Study of Alcohol and other Drugs (DWI College), Ignition Interlock Education programs and plenary breakout sessions at other TCJ judicial education programs, regularly provide Texas judges with latest trends and issues in impaired driving, SFST, DRE, and alcohol and other drugs countermeasures.

The award honors Jacqueline Saburido who was severely disfigured in a drunken driving crash nearly ten years ago. Despite her disfigurement, Jacqui courageously lent her story and her face to a statewide anti-DWI campaign in Texas in hopes that her experience would deter people from drinking and driving. Jacqui put a face on the problem of drunk driving - a haunting face with no nose, no hair, and no ears. Jacqui's ordeal, details of her story, and her continuing efforts to stop impaired driving are available at www.helpjacqui.com.

Through the Jacqueline Saburido Award, Texas continues to honor Jacqui's courage and dedication and the Texas Center for the Judiciary is honored and proud to be the 2009 recipient of this award.