"We're going to try our hardest to get as many officials to work with us and accept the fact that drunk driving isn't taken lightly in Wisconsin anymore," said sophomore Kristen Churkey, a close friend of Lacey's who is helping organize the pledge effort.

The Wausau area was the scene of several high profile OWI arrests in recent weeks. State Rep. Jeff Wood, I-Bloomer; Wausau City Council member Tom Miller; and Bayfield Police Chief Ellis Casper all were arrested on charges of drunken driving between Sept. 18 and Oct. 6.

The pledge was sent out Wednesday at about 2 p.m. Within an hour, state Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer, D-Manitowoc, became the first lawmaker to sign.

Ziegelbauer, a former tavern owner, said he rarely drinks -- and never drives when he does -- so making the pledge was not a difficult decision.

"This is a serious issue and I don't mind encouraging (the students) in their work," Ziegelbauer said.

Lacey's mother, Jodene, said she was happy Lacey's friends were continuing to fight to change drunken driving legislation.

"It means everything to me," she said, teary-eyed. "Because the reason they don't change is because it's so widespread across the state."

The students are giving lawmakers until Dec. 1 to return the pledge. They plan to make public the names of those who don't sign.

The group also is sending around a similar pledge to D.C. Everest students. Sophomore Lexi Zuleger said it's important that Lacey's death is not forgotten.