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This June a group of YAHL leaders from around Oklahoma will meet for four days in OKC at the first annual YAHL Leadership Team Summit. These students applied for this select opportunity for a variety of reasons, but they are united by a passion for the health of themselves and their peers. Here’s a look at what some of our Leadership Team have to say.

Some of the students are passionate about the issues of teen tobacco-use and obesity. Aidan Moistner says, “I want to be in YAHL LT so I can spread awareness about teen smoking and obesity.” Lacey Lamon is motivated by change: “I’m very passionate about not only a healthy school but a healthy community free from tobacco so this was a very great opportunity to share some policy ideas for community members that can help make change.” And Aaron Roy is focussed on policy change. He says, “I want to be immersed in the YAHL LT so that I can develop the required skills to lead a team, talk to a public group, and to encourage/persuade people to join the cause that I am wanting them to join.” At Summit, these students will get to share ideas around YAHL issues and get ready to make a difference in their communities next school year.

Others are excited by gaining leadership skills and meeting other YAHL leaders from around the state. Grace Foster wants to make friends and learn how to make her school a safer environment for all. Naquya Ellison agrees and wants “to help people be better and help communities succeed.” Braden Mensack says, “I hope to meet with fellow leaders from my state and learn about further opportunities.” At Summit these YAHL Leadership Team members will work together to do good and make a difference.

YAHL has had an amazing first year, and with an amazing group of students prepared to form our first leadership team, year two looks to be even better. At summit, this group of YAHL leaders will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to be the leaders our state needs. They will also connect with other YAHL leaders to make their efforts travel even further. It’s going to be a great summer for YAHL!

By Natiya Ellison

My name is Natiya Ellison, and I go to Southeast high school. I am in the 9th grade. This is my first year with the YAHL program. I will be talking about the CounterAct Tobacco campaign and the policies that affect youth.

The YAHL staff educated us about tobacco policies during our training. We learned that minors get in more trouble if they buy tobacco products from stores, and if they get caught, the store just gets charged a fine. Learning this highlighted for me why the policies are very important. I believe this also isn’t right because people are dying from this. Cigarettes are one of the most dangerous tobacco products. Tobacco can cause cancer and so much more. Some Oklahomans are ok with this because they probably do not know this is happening.

The CounterAct Tobacco Campaign works on helping youth stop and prevents others from using Tobacco and vaping products. I think this will stop others and help them make better choices. I know joining the YAHL program helps you realize that it’s terrible for your body when you smoke or vape, such as your lungs, heart, etc. My part in the program is to help by educating people about YAHL, collecting surveys, and teaching my peers how we are purposely targeted with ads and products. I am willing to help them stop before it’s too late. You never know if your family members could be next.

The CounterAct Tobacco campaign helps people understand the effects of using Tobacco. The tobacco industry tries to get young children to smoke to make a profit off of youth by getting them interested in smoking at an early age. They do this every year because the people are dying from Tobacco, so they target new people in new ways. They don’t care about your health. They care about your money.

My name is Aiyana Brewer. I will be a 2025 graduate from Checotah High School. Like my school experience, this is my first year with YAHL. As you may know, YAHL is a Program of TSET for Health Leadership.

Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) helps communities and teens live a healthier lifestyle such as physical activities, drinking water, and eating healthier foods. Physical activity impacts my life because I play sports such as basketball, track, and cross country. Along with sports I have to eat healthy to stay in shape. Being healthy and active is very important to me. My family and I all believe being healthy mentally and physically is the number one thing. 

At school, nutrition is important. At lunch it’s required to get a fruit and they recommend drinking a lot of water. We also have a courtyard for the people at lunch to be active. My school has after school programs that help people stay active and healthy. Although the school does have its flaws such as vending machines, junk food, and celebrations. Personally I think it’s okay to have these things but i feel we don’t need as much as we have. With YAHL and the Elevate Student Health policy it could help students be healthier.

With YAHL I have helped my school stay healthy by doing things such as, helping in our Winter Wonderland event, taking surveys, helping others take surveys, and spreading the word about YAHL. Things that I have learned with YAHL are that students actually want to live healthier lives. By changing the current health policies in Oklahoma, we can help students stay healthy!

Written by: Aiyana Brewer