Through its advocacy against drunk driving, the nonprofit Drive One Way ensures the memory – and for that matter, legacy – of Michaila Bowling, Hali Coss and Lily Dufrene live on.
Next month, the organization hosts the second annual Hali, Lily and Michaila Memorial Golf Tournament. The event will be held Oct. 25 at Grand Ridge Golf Club and proceeds will go toward Drive One Way’s push toward making intoxicated driving laws stricter and raising awareness within the community about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.
A morning tee-off will begin at 8 a.m. and the afternoon tee-off at 1 p.m. There will be a raffle and auction as well as food, drinks and golf prizes. Cost is $500 per foursome and $125 per single.
The event’s namesakes lost their lives tragically Nov. 20 of 2021. Just after midnight, a two-vehicle crash occurred on LA Hwy 20 in Chackbay. A state police investigation revealed that that 39-year-old Joey Clement of Thibodaux was driving northbound in a 2019 Ford F-150 when he crossed the centerline and struck a SUV head-on. The three girls were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, it was Clement’s fourth DWI offense. In 2023, he was sentenced to serve 85 years in prison.
“It was devastating because he was able to get out of jail multiple times, and it took until the fourth time for him to finally be in jail and unable to hurt anyone else,” said Madelyn Coss, Hali’s sister. “That’s why we wanted to change the laws so this wouldn’t happen to anyone else and that the drinking and driving laws would be stricter. That’s what the nonprofit is for.”
Progress in the girls’ names has been made to this goal. Coss noted the team’s efforts have helped to create stricter breathalyzer guidelines.
“We’re actively working and trying so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else like it happened to us,” Coss said.
By all accounts the three Luling residents were the best of friends. Each graduated from Hahnville High in 2021 and they went on to attend Nicholls State together. Bowling and Dufrene were studying nursing, while Coss was an allied health sciences freshman.
The Hali Coss, Lily Dufrene and Michaila Bowling Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established by Nicholls State University and is awarded to female graduates of Hahnville High School who are enrolled at Nicholls full time as a nursing or allied health major. A portion of tournament proceeds will go toward the scholarship, Coss said.
Though this is technically to be the second year of the event, this is the third planned tournament – one was rained out.
Coss said the biggest difference between this year’s tournament and the first official event is that this time the day is coordinated to appeal more to both golfers and non-golfers – if one would like to support the cause but doesn’t want to swing a club, there should be plenty for everyone of all ages. Coss noted a few potential attractions in the works for children include a petting zoo or bounce house.
There will be a silent auction, raffle and 50-50 tickets as well.
“We want this to be for everybody,” Coss said. “Not everyone likes to golf, but you can still come out, enjoy the day and support a good cause.”
Coss said the community’s support has been strong.
“It’s been huge support. Especially since, my family isn’t from here, so it’s crazy to see all of these people who might not even know us, but they come out and support us, the girls and these three families that suffered this devastating loss,” Coss said.
For tournament signup or if interested in volunteering for event set up and clean up, contact Madelyn Coss at 601-320-8863 or email driveonewayla@gmail.com. Coss said organizers are still seeking sponsorships.
