Linda Barrett has received a certificate of recognition from the Hamilton post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol for using a Valentine's Day tragedy to educate teens about fast cars and fast life.

Barrett lost her only daughter, Kristen, 17, in an accident on Old Roosevelt Road, just a short distance from her home.

Kristen and driver Joey Adams, 19, were killed when the car driven by Adams struck a utility pole.

Linda Barrett hugs Lt. Michael Black of the Hamilton post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol after he surprised her with a certificate of recognition for her efforts in educating teens about the dangers of reckless driving. The Enquirer/GLENN HARTONG

Barrett has been going to schools, churches and other events speaking to teens about the crash.

Last week, Lt. Michael Black of the Hamilton post presented her with the certificate.

"I was very surprised," Barrett said.

Kristen would have graduated in June.

"We didn't quite make it. This was a terrible tragedy, but working with the highway patrol, I think we have been able to reach a lot of teens with a very sensitive and useful message," Barrett said.

She and Black teamed up and have presented a safety program with speeches at nine schools throughout Butler County.

"I give the students straight talk." Barrett said. "I let them know what it is like to get a knock on your door and be told that your kid has been killed. I tell them about what it means to pick out the last outfit for your kid to be buried and how it feels to touch your kid's face for the last time."

Barrett lives in Middletown with her husband, Dan, and sons Andy, 16, and Alex, 13.

Ohio University graduate

Travis Anderson has graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering with a computer specification from Ohio University. He is a member of several honorary societies.

Anderson is a nuclear propulsion officer candidate in the U.S. Navy, having been on active duty while completing his degree. He will attend Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla., where he will graduate as an ensign.

The Milford High School graduate is son of Jan and Jon Anderson of Union Township, Clermont County.

Dean's list

These students have been named to the spring dean's list at their college or university:

Mathew Simek, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State University. The Sycamore High School graduate is son of Pamela and David Simek of Blue Ash.

Richard Nemeth, a sophomore materials engineering major at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. The Moeller High School graduate is son of Jill and Micky Hamer of Loveland.

Katie Ornella, a junior gerontology major at the College of Mount St. Joseph. She is a Glen Este High School graduate.

Kristin Gorman, a junior psychology major at Xavier University. She was also inducted into the Xavier Chapter of Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society. The Badin High School graduate is daughter of Marianne and Mike Gorman of Fairfield.

Ashley Krumdieck, a physical therapy major at Bowling Green State University. The Harrison High School graduate is daughter of Denice and Mark Krumdieck of Harrison.

Scott Gerdes, an economics and finance major at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. The St. Xavier High School graduate is son of Pam and Brad Gerdes of Bridgetown.

Christopher King, a senior marketing major at the University of Cincinnati. The Hughes Center graduate is son of Haydee and William King of Columbia Township.

James Doyle Jr., a freshman electrical and computer engineering major at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. The St. Xavier High School graduate and son of Cathy Doyle and the late James Doyle of Covedale also received semester honors.

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