In 2008, former MYAN high school intern and Youth Planning Team member Jeff Poulin partnered with MYAN to establish the MYAN Advisor of the Year award. Jeff credits his inspiration for this award to former MYAN staff member, Deb Bicknell, who models the exemplary mentoring and empowerment of youth in Maine that this award aims to recognize. Currently candidates for MYAN Advisor of the Year are nominated at the Annual Peer Leadership Conference by their groups.

2009 MYAN Advisor of the Year

Congratulations to Rhonda (Roni) Thompson of Millinocket! Roni was recognized by three groups--Schenck High School Y2Y, Stearns High School Strategy Team and Medway Middle School.

The groups used words such as "phenomenal", "epic", "amazing" and "strength". One group member wrote "Roni is always looking out for the youth of our schools and how to make them grow in our communities. She continues to get more adults, parents and community members included in her groups. When I look at all the qualifications to be named advisor of the year, Rhonda has been an example of all of those. [Despite living with cancer] Roni does not skip a beat to continue working with the youth, her adult education position, and helping others in the community. The youth and adults of our community see Roni deal with all of this with such determination, maintaining a positive attitude. She lives and leads by example, and is someone you would want our youth to watch and learn how to be an asset to schools, communities and our children."

There were many amazing advisors nominated this year and it was a very difficult decision! Click here to read about all the nominated advisors.

2009 Anti-Tobacco Advisor of the Year

Congratulations to this year's winner, Jeremy Bousquet of Penquis Valley High School. He was recognized as a true partner and collaborator who has made an impact in the lives of students around him and created a change in Maine starting with youth.

2008 MYAN Advisor of the Year

Congratulations to Kevin Dowling of Lincoln Academy, the winner of the first ever MYAN Advisor of the Year award. This award was created to recognize the amazing work of adults who are acting as true partners and collaborators with youth. Kevin was chosen from among many advisors who were nominated by their groups for this honor.