December 5, University of Washington's tight end, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, spoke to over 500 students at the Ballard High School auditorium about the problems of driving while under the influence.

Earlier this year Seferian-Jenkins was arrested in the Ravenna area after being involved in a single car accident. He plead guilty to a drunk driving charge later, and was fined $695 and sentenced to 5 years probation.

“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think it was going to make an impact. …This whole thing has opened my eyes and given me a bigger perspective,” said Seferian-Jenkins.

Other speakers joined Seferian-Jenkins, two of which were directly involved in his DUI case: Bill Hicks, Seferian-Jenkin’s attorney; and SPD’s Eric Michl, who was Seferian-Jenkins’ arresting officer.

Kelly Jone’s also spoke to students. Jones is mother to deceased, Kellen Jones, who was killed in an alcohol related car accident near the Ballard Locks in 2010.

The message all the speakers had for students was clear, “Do not drive under the influence -- ever.”

“This is in opportunity for me to educate students and hopefully help them understand that it’s not okay to drive under the influence. … If I can at least prevent one student from doing it then it's worth it,” said Seferian-Jenkins.