August 7, 2024

By Lane Kimble

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Between studying finance at UW-Platteville, working a job to pay for school, and preparing for another track and field season, Spencer Thiry doesn’t have a lot of free time on his hands.

Oh, and he’s already had his driver’s license for three years.

Still – Spencer wanted to take the time to take Work Zone Safe Wisconsin’s free online course.

“Since (my) dad works on construction sites and has for years, it’s important to me that people are safe.  If something were to happen to my dad or my dad’s coworkers, I would obviously hear about that and that… would be tragic,” Thiry explained.

Tuesday night, WTBA rewarded Spencer for his commitment to preventing such a tragedy.

Executive Director Steve Baas, Board President Brian Endres, WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden and State Sen. Howard Marklein presented Spencer with a $500 check as July’s Work Zone Safe Wisconsin Scholarship winner.

Spencer’s dad, Jason, works for Kapur & Associates.  He learned about the free online course at a WTBA conference earlier this year and encouraged his son to take it.

“It says a lot about him,” Jason Thiry said.  “He’s putting in the effort in his studies and with the training he’s doing for the running, he’s definitely a busy lad so it’s good to see the hard work he’s putting into (being a safe driver.)”

The course provides a modern approach to work zone safety education, which you can take 24/7/365.  Personalized stories from the men and women who work on roads and their families guide students through the 45-minute course.  Since launching in April, nearly 900 people have successfully completed the class.

Spencer, 19, says the scholarship money will help him pay for tuition, which he’s doing on his own.  He encourages everyone to make the time–no matter your age–to do as he did.

“It’s truly a good refresher for all ages,” Spencer said of WZSW.  “I think that younger drivers need to take courses like that so they can understand how important this is…  it can make you take a second look at what’s really important.”