MYAN Youth Leadership Awards

MYAN Youth Leadership Awards recognize young people who exemplify leadership in their groups, schools & communities. These youth were all nominated by their groups for their dedication & passion for making positive change.

2009 MYAN Youth Leadership Award Winners 2009 Conference Youth Award Winners

Lorelei Looker, Ellsworth High School SHAG & MYAN YPT. Lorelei is knowledgeable, creative and dedicated to the extreme. She's at every meeting, among the first to ask and answer questions, thinks critically about the issues we address, and finishes everything that she commits to in a timely manner. She's friendly, confident and competent. Plus, she's wicked cool. One word to describe Lorelei: inspiring
Judith Abdalla, Portland High School What's Next? We chose this person because Juidth is a strong leader and we can always depend on her. She is compassionate and caring. She always thinks of others before herself. One word to describe Judith: modest.
Mandi Arnott, Deering High School SBHC. Mandi takes the effort to keep everyone in the group up to date when they miss a meeting. She also takes on the role of elader. She knows how to get things done and she does them. One word to describe Mandi: Team-Leader.
Sean Ashburn, Noble High School. In the last 6 weeks the Noble Health Center has engaged the school board members and the community in a debate to expand health services offered to students to include reproductive health care. Sean is a student representative on the school board nad a participant in the process to ehar the concerns from all sides of this controversial subject. He represented very well the student body in a very objective manner and sttod by the integrity of the staff and services in the Noble Health Center. A true leader is capable of looking all the way around an issue and acknowledging different views, then making an informed decision. One word to describe Sean: Thoughtful. (Note: Tim Morin and Jake Butler also participated in this monumental debate and deserve recognition for attending the school board meetings late into the evenings.)
Matthew Austin, Schenck Y2Y. Matt has been actively involved in Y2Y for several years. He has racked up hundreds of hours of community service in the Katahdin region. His fun loving nature makes Matt an amazing addition to our group. One word to describe Matt: Amazing.
Julia Brown, Access Health/Brunswick High School YAP. Julia has demonstrated impressive leadership skills from the moment I met her. On the first day of our YAP group meeting she had already constructed an action plan before I could introdcue myself. Our 1st challenge was that everyone wanted to attend the MYAN Conference and Summit, however financing wouldn't allow all to attend. Within 2 days, Julia had presented to the student government and secured the funds for 4 additional students to attend. Julia's endless stream of creative ideas and enthusiasm is an asset to her community and a delight to work with. One word to describe Julia: Energizing.
Serena Cobleigh, Windham Middle School. Nominated by her peers for her leadership & commitment to her team.
Molly Dunkelberger, Marshwood High School MASK. Molly is an extremely active student, not only is she one of the leaders of the MASK group, she is the president of our Interact club and involved in student government. Molly is also involved in the community by attending town meetings to provide a youth voice. One word to describe Molly: Involved.
Krista Ethier, Lincoln Academy LA Players. Krista has been a long team player and one on whom I can always depend. Her insight, compassion for others and incredible talent have made her one of the best LA Players I have ever directed. I am blessed to have her on my cast and honored to know her as an individual. She is a remarkable young woman. One word to describe Krista: Incredible!
Shae Horrigan, Strategies for a Stronger Sanford. She has been a leader in gathering youth together for community service projects. She has written letters for change in her school and to town leadership. She contacts her peers to get them involved in upcoming events and projects. Very motivating leadership skills.
Amber Humiston, Westbrook Mentoring Partnership. Amber has served as a mentor with our Westbrook Gardens mentoring partnership for 2 years. She is positive, energetic and committed in her relationship with her junior high "little". Amber is the kind of young person who makes a difference with the kids she serves. We appreciate her faithfulness and dedication to the mission, ensuring kids have a safe place ot go and have positive things to do. Congratulations, Amber! One word to describe Amber: Faithful.
Keith Lapiere, Biddeford Teen Center. Keith has served for several years on the teen center committee, during his senior year services as president. He has been very involved in food drives, anti-smoking events, fundraising, policy and leadership skills. He has served as an excellent role model for our younger teens and has encouraged them to get involved wiht our teen committee. One word to describe Keith: Leader.
Camden Loeser, Thornton Academy Middle School. As a National Jr. Honor Society Member, Civil Rights member and active band and choral student, this student goes above and beyond as a helper, leader, displaying great characteristics for his peers. In addition he directs children's plays in his church to help raise money for charities. This student is not afraid to state when something is unjust and standing up for others' rights and needs each and every day. One word to describe Camden: Caring
Kaitlen McCluskey, Traip Academy. For accepting the opportunity and taking the initiative to attend the MYAN Conference and striving to make Traip and the community better.
Coty McEwen, Stearns High School Strategy Team. For many many hours with sports boosters, rec programs, french club activities and as a peer counselor. He is an all around great kid always willing to help and polite to everyone! One word to describe Coty: Extraordinary.
Randy Nichols, Waldo County YMCA YAP. Randy has worked in Belfast as a leader volunteering for hospice, tall pines, NH and Waldo County HMP. He is now the head of the Waldo County YMCA YAP program. He never says no, always "how can I help."
Amanda Reardon, Ethel's Tree of Life. Amanda recognizes the influence of peer pressure. She tries to make change in small ways--for instance, if a group of girls won't run in gym, she will break from the "no-runners" (it's not "cool" to run) and go running while encouraging them to run. Amanda lives with disabilities but does not use them as an excuse in any situation. One word to describe Amanda: Sparkling.
Ethan Shrestha, Mahoney Project REACH. Ethan has gone above and beyond this year as a student advocate at his middle school. Ethan volunteered his time and energy this summer to help in the school gardens and continues to take a lead role in our community service projects. One word to describe Ethan: Fearless.
Tim Holbrook, MSAD 75 I Teams. Tim seeks out opportunities to help with technology in schools. He takes responsibility for his own learning in and out of school. He transfers knowledge and skills from work in the community to activities in school. One word to describe Tim: Engaged.

2009 Anti-Tobacco Youth Leadership Award Winners (new this year!)

Jared Micahud, Valley Rivers Middle School Youth Voices for his commitment and spirit in showing his peers and younger youth the dangers of tobacco use. He was an active part of anti-tobacco efforts all during Red Ribbon Week in his role as Samantha Skunk. He has a natural ability as a leader and is a good role model.
Harley McLaughlin, Medway Middle School KAP, for noticing his hotel rooms were not no smoking rooms. He went to all of the rooms and grabbed the matches and handed them to me before I realized they were even there. He wanted to be sure none of our students got them. One word to describe Harley: Leader
Krista Ethier, Lincoln Academy LAP Players/YAP, nominated unanimously by her group, indicating the level at which her peers place her. She is a remarkable yougn woman and I am honored to be able to recommend her for yet another award. One word to describe Krista: Tremendous.
Jenna Adams, Hampden Academy for doing a great job at getting students excited about MYAN. She's a great advocate for making healthy decisions. One word to describe Jenna: Kapow!
Barrett Ridley, Waldo County YMCA YAP for making a commitment to quitting his tobacco use and for focusing his energy and attention to being a leader of the younger kids who have joined YAP. He is thinking about his future and helping kids in Belfacts focus on a powerful and healthy future. One word to describe Barrett: Energized.
Ashley Martin, Marshwood High School MASK for her involvement as a leaderhip role and senior member of MASK. She was activitly involved in getting of our own towns (South Berwick) to designate most recreational areas as smoke-free. She will be vital in our groups' quest to have the town of Eliot follow suit. Ashley brings her experience and commitment to our group's efforts. One word to describe Ashley: Dedicated.
Abby Hayden, Ellsworth High School SHAG. Abby is new to our group. She was asked to attend as an alternate for someone who was ill, and she was pretty tentative at first, which is understandable, because she didn't know us well. But over the Conference and the Summit she's shown leadership and enthusiasm as she facilitated drafting our action plan, enjoyed and reported back from workshops, and volunteered during evening activities with YPT. Way to go, Abby! We're proud of you! One word to describe Ashley: Dynamic! (Mad props!)
James Oullette, Ethel's Tree of Life. James, having breathing issues himself, tries to explain to people how their second-hand smoke has an adverse effect on everyone's lives. One word to describe James: Determined.
Matt Thompson, Schenck Y2Y/Stearns Strategy Team for his participation in 1200 shoes, sticker shock, the 7 campaign, chalk body, chemicals in cigarette smoking cessation, etc. He started in 3rd grade and now actively participates on his own with many/any Y2Y activities. Continues to work on new PSAs and group activities. One word to describe Matt: Stellar
Kristin Thompson, Stearns Strategy Team/Schenck Y2Y. Kristin started in 3rd grade with her family. Actively participates in dozens of activities such as sticker shock, chemicals in a cigarette, smoker section, 1200 shoes, 7 campaign, and is working on new PSAs for our group. One word to describe Kristin: Energetic.

2008 MYAN Youth Leadership Award Winners

Rosie Buckmore, Conference Youth Planning Team for showing incredible dedication to the YPT and always putting others before herself. This conference wouldn’t be the same without you!
Kaitlyn Grassette, Voices Committed to Change, Rumford for your ongoing efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence in your school and community and your work to help create a more peaceful world.
Laura Murphy, Ignite Oxford County. Making a choice 3 years ago to explore, Laura became familiar to a group working with the Maine legislature. From testifying at hearings and circulating a petition, Laura has spent many hours advocating for her school and community at the state level. These traits will get her far.
Matt Lavzon, Old Orchard Beach Natural Helpers. A member for three years, Matt is an excellent peer listener. He is a mentor for middle school students and represents Natural Helpers on the Coastal Healthy Communities Committee and is in a public service movie.
Emily Dunbar, Biddeford Teen Center. For your passion towards dating violence awareness. You have provided resources and support to your peers and stepped up to make sure they realize there is always someone that cares and understands.
Abby McLaughlin, Medway Middle School. Abby is a beautiful person inside and out. She has grown into a kind, caring, generous, loving young person. Her leadership qualities will serve her well in the years to come.
Liz Hamilton, Ellsworth High School Student Health Awareness Group. Liz has gone about and beyond the call of duty in her first year as SHAG president. She has made exceptional efforts in fundraising and leading her peers during meetings. She has a wonderful personality, is great to work with, and cares about the student body.
Brianna Shaw, Mountain Valley High School Students Working Against Tobacco. Brianna has been a part of SWAT for the past four years and is an asset to the group as she has been to every event and can be counted on. Brianna has transformed from a shy girl to a very active advocate. She will be missed greatly.
Allegra (Alle) Boyd, Lincoln Academy Players. Good friend, good student, wonderful young women. A true pleasure to know and work with.
Megan Stevenson, Windham High School Student Outreach. She is very organized reliable and steps up to the plate to do things. Great leadership qualities.
David Mata, Deering High School Student Health Center Outreach Team. For being one of the founding members and for working harder to make our group better and he cares for everyone in the group.
Judith Abdalla, Portland High School "What’s Next?” Judith has been the energy for starting "What’s Next?” at Portland High School. She has given her time, energy, and talent to educate peers about teen issues. She is a leader in her community.
Maxine Burleigh, Schenck High School Youth 2 Youth. Maxine is a genuine, kind hearted, good person. She is willing to do whatever anyone asks of her and she does it with a smile. She is excellent at fundraising and great with kids. This hard worker is an amazing asset to our group.
Alexander Pickering, Thorton Academy Middle School, for recent efforts in a youth church group that attended a demonstration in Washington D.C. for "Tents of Hope.” The demonstration helped raise awareness of the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Sean Cavanaugh, Calais High School Tag Team. Sean has excellent leadership and advocacy skills; educating people about alcohol abuse and bullying. He always makes an effort to get other involved and is very organized.
Stephanie Weaver, Wells High School Civil Rights Team. This student has been extending herself this year and has shown strong leadership skills. We look forward to three more years of her work and growth.

2007 MYAN Youth Leadership Awards

Hannah Belanger,Upper Kennebec Valley Jr-Sr High School, for being a distinguished youth leader and working to improve the climate of her school through her work with the Civil Rights Team.
Ashley Gallinari, Communities Promoting Health Bridgton, Clean Team, for her passion for volunteering and community involvement, and for being a strong advocate for the rights of her peers.
Kameron LaPlante, Katahdin Area Partnership, Stearns High School, for being an active member of his town strategy team and a leader amongst his peers.
Kasey Leighton, Conners Emerson School, for his deep commitment to Civil Rights and to improving the lives of people in his community.
Krystal Martin, Choose to Be Healthy Partnership, MASK, for her outstanding leadership skills, her ability to organize and advocate for health programs and events, and her overall commitment to youth-led community health promotion.
Kathleen (Katie) McDonough, Choose to Be Healthy Partnership, Wells High School, for her innovative efforts to reduce teen drinking in the Wells community and for the courage and leadership skills she demonstrated in doing so.
Chelsea Schoen, Deering High School, SBHC, for her strong leadership skills and hard work on behalf of the SBHC Outreach Team.
Heather Thomas, Freeport High School, WOWW, for her enthusiasm, dedication and energy in helping to create the WOWW group at Freeport High School, and to recognize her work as the student representative on the Freeport Wellness Committee.
Mikala Thompson, Katahdin Area Partnership Schenk High School, Youth 2 Youth, for being an enthusiastic, energetic and skilled youth leader in her community, and for always being available to help.
Jenna Walsh, Katahdin Area Partnership, Medway Middle School, YAP, for always being there to lend a helping hand, and sharing her kind heart and great personality with all those she works with.

2006 Youth Leadership Awards

Caroline Bixby, Lincoln Academy, L.A. Players, for her tireless efforts and strong leadership abilities within her group and the MYAN YPT, and for continually giving back to her school and community!
Amelia Butman, Greenville High School MOOSE group, for being so committed to the cause of teaching young adults the effects of smoking, and for giving others the tools needed to become leaders in their schools and communities
Ryan Gavin, Biddeford High School, Youth Organizing for Better Opportunities, for his passion, dedication, initiative, risk-taking, and most importantly, for taking time to do everything he can in the best way he can!
Grace Ledoux, Scarborough High School Student Council, for her dedication and ability to hit the ground running for the Scarborough High School Spirit Week that raised over $3500!
Brenton Levesque, St. John Valley YAP, for always being willing to help with any projects and being very committed and highly motivated to get his message out!
Nate Philbrook, Hichborn Middle School SPRINT for Life, for providing three years of dedication and leadership to his community’s YAP group!
Mikala Thompson, Katahdin Area Partnership Y2Y, for her hours of community service and for being the driving force behind her high school’s program with her endless energy, ideas, and enthusiasm!
Brittany Tinkham, Katahdin Area Partnership, Medway Middle School, for being a role model and a great advocate in her school and community!
Arielle Tselikis, Old Orchard Beach High School Natural Helpers, for training other youth to work as peer listeners and for being such a strong advocate in her school and community!
TJ Williams, RVHCC SWAT, for his invaluable willingness to help on any project, and for always doing it with enthusiasm and a smile!

Edit This Favorite