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My name is Zarrya and I am from Muskogee, Oklahoma, where I attend high school and am entering my senior year. I am a member of the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) Leadership Team, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.

Youth Action for Health Leadership focuses on empowering youth to take action on important health issues in their communities. The program has two main campaigns: CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate Student Health. CounterAct Tobacco works to support policies that require retailers to have a license to sell tobacco products and helps reduce youth access to these products. Elevate Student Health focuses on improving access to healthy food, physical activity and clean drinking water in schools so students can build lifelong healthy habits.

These campaigns inspired me to join YAHL because I want to help create a healthier future for myself, my peers and the generations that come after us. Health advocacy matters to me because I see how unhealthy habits can impact people in my community. Many youth across Oklahoma are facing similar challenges, and YAHL gives us the opportunity to come together and make a difference.

Through YAHL, I have participated in virtual meetings and training sessions that have helped me build confidence and prepare to advocate for change. These experiences have shown me how important it is to speak up about issues like tobacco use and access to healthy resources in schools. I want to help create tobacco-free environments and support policies that make schools healthier places for students.

I also want to use my voice to educate others in my community about the risks of tobacco use and the importance of making healthier choices. By sharing what I have learned, I hope to encourage others to move away from unhealthy habits and work toward a better future.

Through Youth Action for Health Leadership, I believe my community can come together to support one another and create lasting change. When we work together and take action, we can build a healthier Oklahoma for everyone.

Hello, my name is Macy and I am from Ada. I am a member of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust that helps youth learn about unhealthy habits and how they affect everyday life. I joined Youth Action for Health Leadership because it teaches us how to support others, use our voices and create positive change in our communities.

One unhealthy behavior I see affecting my generation is smoking. Smoking is harmful because it can lead to lung cancer, breathing problems, heart disease and other serious health conditions. Youth are especially at risk due to stress, peer pressure and a lack of awareness about long-term effects. Through Youth Action for Health Leadership, I help educate others about these risks and encourage healthier choices.

Another major issue impacting youth is vaping. Many vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can affect brain development. Vaping can also expose users to harmful chemicals that may damage the lungs. Some youth turn to vaping because of stress, anxiety, curiosity or peer influence. Without the right information, it can be easy to underestimate the risks.

Through the CounterAct Tobacco campaign, Youth Action for Health Leadership works to address the root causes of youth tobacco use. This campaign focuses on supporting policies that reduce youth access to tobacco products, including vapes, and hold retailers accountable. By educating communities and sharing youth perspectives with decision-makers, we can help create environments that make it harder for tobacco companies to target young people.

Being part of Youth Action for Health Leadership has shown me that education and advocacy can make a difference. We provide a supportive environment where youth can learn, share their experiences and encourage one another to make healthier choices. I am committed to helping reduce tobacco use and improve the health of my generation.

By working together, we can create healthier communities and empower youth to make informed decisions. I encourage others to get involved with Youth Action for Health Leadership and be part of the change.

Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am a sophomore at Hennessey High School. I have been involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for one year and I am a member of the Leadership Team.

Over the past year, I have gained confidence, independence and leadership skills that I did not have before. When I was first introduced to Youth Action for Health Leadership, I did not fully understand what the program was or how it could impact me. Now, I can clearly explain why I am passionate about this program and the difference it makes in communities across Oklahoma.

I joined Youth Action for Health Leadership because I care about helping others and believe it is important to support people, even those you may not know. Through this program, I have gained knowledge about important health issues and how they affect youth. I have also learned how to share that knowledge in a way that helps others make informed and healthier choices.

One of my first major experiences was giving a presentation to middle school students about the dangers of vaping and tobacco use. At first, I was nervous about speaking in front of a large group, but Youth Action for Health Leadership helped me build the confidence to use my voice. During the presentation, I focused on raising awareness about how important it is to take care of your health and avoid harmful habits. That experience showed me that even one conversation can make a difference.

Since then, I have set a goal to continue speaking with students at other schools and helping with more presentations. I want to reach as many young people as possible and encourage them to make choices that support their health and future.

Through Youth Action for Health Leadership, I have also built strong friendships and worked with other students who share the same passion for creating change. These connections have helped me grow not only as a leader but as a person. I have learned more about the work of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust and how it supports programs that improve the health of communities across Oklahoma.

Being part of Youth Action for Health Leadership has helped me realize that I can make an impact. I have a voice, and I have learned how to use it to advocate for healthier schools and communities. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue growing, learning and making a difference in the future.

Hello, my name is Aaliyah and I am currently a senior at Stilwell High School. I have been involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for four years and have served on the Leadership Team for three years. I joined Youth Action for Health Leadership because I wanted to make a difference in my school and community while also stepping outside my comfort zone.

Through my experience in Youth Action for Health Leadership, I have had the opportunity to grow as a leader and advocate. One of the most impactful experiences I have had was attending Day at the Capitol, where I met with Oklahoma state legislators to discuss the needs of youth in my community. I met with Senator Tom Woods and Representative David Hardin, who represent my area, and I also had the opportunity to connect with Representative Tim Turner. Speaking with these leaders gave me valuable insight into how policies are created and how they can impact schools and communities across Oklahoma. It showed me that youth voices matter and that we have the power to influence decisions that affect our future.

In addition to meeting with legislators, I have worked with several organizations in my community to raise awareness about important health issues. I have spoken with groups such as the Kiwanis Club, local law enforcement and the Adair County officer team. These experiences have helped me build confidence and improve my public speaking skills while also allowing me to share important information about youth health.

I am especially passionate about the CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate Student Health campaigns. Through CounterAct Tobacco, I have given presentations to middle school students about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarette use. This work is important to me because I come from a close-knit family, and I want to protect my younger siblings and other youth from the harms of tobacco. Too often, tobacco products like vapes are easy for youth to access. That is why I support policies that hold retailers accountable and help prevent underage access to these products.

Through Elevate Student Health, I have also learned about the importance of access to healthy food, physical activity and clean drinking water in schools. These are basic needs that can have a major impact on how students feel, learn and succeed.

Youth Action for Health Leadership has helped me find my voice and use it to advocate for change. I am proud to be part of a program that empowers youth to speak up, take action and create healthier communities. I hope to continue using what I have learned to make a lasting difference in my school, my community and across Oklahoma.

Hello, my name is Carli and I am a senior at Pryor High School. I have been involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for three years and have served on the Leadership Team for two years.

Throughout my time in Youth Action for Health Leadership, I have met many people and built meaningful friendships while working toward a common goal of improving health in my community. I joined the program because I wanted to make a difference in my school and create positive change for others. Over time, I have seen how student voices can lead to real improvements when we work together and speak up.

At my school, our Youth Action for Health Leadership group has worked on several initiatives to promote healthier environments. One of our projects included presenting to our school principal about ways to improve concession stand options by offering healthier food choices. We also discussed ideas to increase physical activity during the school day, such as creating opportunities for students to walk around the school, either inside or outside, between classes. These changes may seem small, but they can make a big difference in students’ physical health and mental well-being.

I also had the opportunity to attend Day at the Capitol, where I spoke with Representative Josh West about the CounterAct Tobacco campaign. During that conversation, I shared why it is important to reduce youth access to tobacco products and support policies that protect students from the influence of Big Tobacco. Experiences like this showed me how youth can be involved in important conversations and help shape decisions that impact our communities.

I believe youth advocacy is important because younger generations look up to us. We help set the example for future students and can influence positive changes in our schools and communities. Youth Action for Health Leadership gives students a platform to speak up for what they believe in, especially for those who may not feel confident doing so on their own.

One saying I learned in color guard is, “You don’t have to be in a leadership role to be a leader.” That message has stayed with me because it reflects what Youth Action for Health Leadership stands for. Anyone can make a difference, regardless of their role. This program is open to all students, and everyone has the ability to create change and make their community a healthier place.

Hello, my name is Mariana, but I go by Mari. I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma and I attend Union High School. This is my first year as a member of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.

Youth Action for Health Leadership is a youth-led program that educates people about the dangers of tobacco use and how unhealthy habits affect daily life. In this program, we speak with youth and adults about the risks of tobacco and vaping. The CounterAct Tobacco campaign focuses on addressing the root causes that allow youth access to tobacco products, especially vape devices. We work to support policies that give local governments the authority to protect their communities from the influence of Big Tobacco.

One thing I value about Youth Action for Health Leadership is its focus on creating meaningful change. Good health is essential because understanding nutrition and physical activity can shape our quality of life for years to come. I believe there should be greater focus on education, access and support. Many people struggle with obesity because they do not have affordable access to healthy food options. Creating environments where healthy choices are easier and more accessible can make a lasting difference for everyone.

My goal is to help improve lives in my community. Through Youth Action for Health Leadership, we educate youth and adults about the risks of vaping and smoking. I hope to speak with elementary school students about the dangers of tobacco use at a young age. I want to help build a healthier future for the next generation. When we work together, we can create stronger and healthier communities.

Hi, my name is Brooklyn and I am a senior at Keys High School. I have been a member of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for three years and a Leadership Team member for two years. As a YAHL Leadership Team member, it is our responsibility to educate others about our two campaigns, CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate Student Health.

During this year’s YAHL Leadership Team Summit, I learned how to advocate and raise awareness about our campaigns, whether that means meeting with a state legislator or speaking with my high school principal. My goal is to help create a healthier school and community for my younger sister, who is 13 years old. I want to make the world she grows up in a better place. We have a four-year age gap, which means her first year of high school will be my first year of college. I have a twin brother who I do everything with, and while I had a sibling to start high school with, my sister will not. I want to do everything I can to make her high school experience better.

YAHL has helped me gain valuable life skills and step outside my comfort zone. I have seen significant growth in myself over the past few years. Through YAHL, I have learned how to prepare for public speaking, set up meetings and communicate with leaders in my community, build professional connections with peers and present to middle and elementary school students.

It means so much to me that YAHL has given me the opportunity to create positive change in my school and community for my younger sister. I am grateful to be part of Youth Action for Health Leadership and the Leadership Team. I plan to continue serving and making an impact in my community through this program.

Hello, my name is Zané. I attend Oologah High School. I am involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, which focuses on preventing unhealthy habits like tobacco use and educating people about how it affects lives, especially youth. I joined YAHL because I want to learn more, meet new people and help make Oklahoma a healthier place. Health education matters to me because I have seen how addiction can harm families and I want to help people make better choices and protect their health.

Health advocacy is important to me because people of all ages can be affected by unhealthy habits, no matter their background. As a wrestler and athlete, I understand how important it is to take care of your body, especially your lungs and overall health. YAHL’s campaigns, CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate Student Health, help me connect with others and spread awareness in a way that feels supportive and not judgmental. 

One part of YAHL that stands out to me is how the campaigns focus on education and prevention instead of blame. YAHL helps youth understand how industries, including Big Tobacco, target young people and how unhealthy habits like tobacco use can start early and become lifelong struggles. I appreciate that YAHL gives us a voice to speak up for ourselves and others, especially students who may feel pressured by friends or social media. Being part of these campaigns makes me feel empowered because I know I am helping share facts, start conversations and encourage healthier choices in a respectful way.

My work in YAHL can positively impact my family, school and community by helping people understand how unhealthy habits like tobacco use affect everyday life and long-term health. I live on a farm where hard work and physical health are important, and I have also had people in my life develop lung cancer from tobacco use, which showed me how serious the consequences can be. Through YAHL, people can learn new information, support one another and work toward healthier choices now and in the future. Members of my community can join me by getting involved in YAHL, supporting health initiatives and standing together to help those who may be struggling.

Hello, my name is Autumn and I attend Porter High School in Oklahoma. I joined Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, because it focuses on raising awareness about unhealthy habits and how they affect our lives. Through YAHL, I have learned new information, met inspiring people and helped work toward a healthier Oklahoma for youth and adults. Health advocacy matters to me because I have seen family members, friends and others struggle with addiction. I want to be in a position where I can support them, encourage healthier choices and help them move forward.

No matter someone’s background, everyone needs support when facing health challenges. YAHL brings people together to create an environment where it is easier to live a healthy life. Through survey efforts, I have been able to meet new people and better understand their experiences. Collecting surveys also allows us to share community perspectives with lawmakers so they can consider policies that improve health outcomes.

I also enjoy the bonding activities and team-building games we do in YAHL because they create a sense of connection and support. Last year, I participated in Swap Up Day, an event where we provided students with healthier snack options and promoted better nutrition choices. Experiences like that showed me how small actions can make a meaningful difference.

Through my work with YAHL, I hope to make a positive impact on my family, school and community, as well as across Oklahoma. I want to help others understand how unhealthy behaviors can affect their lives and empower them to make informed decisions about their health. By serving others, we grow ourselves, and I believe that leads to a healthier future for everyone. Members of my community can join by supporting one another, encouraging healthy choices and working together to improve our well-being.

Hello, my name is Kaiden and I live in Howe, Oklahoma. Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) is a program that teaches us about unhealthy habits that can harm our lives and our future. I have been part of YAHL for about two years. I initially joined because I wanted to learn more about the health issues affecting my community and find ways to make a difference. Through YAHL, I’ve had the opportunity to learn new things, meet new people and make friends while working to make Oklahoma a better place for youth, students and adults. Health activism matters to me because people I care about struggle with unhealthy choices. I want to help them grow stronger, make better decisions and feel supported along the way.

During our training, I learned about the CounterAct Tobacco campaign and the serious issues we are working to address. The CounterAct Tobacco campaign focuses on reducing rising rates of tobacco use, especially among youth. The policies we advocate for aim to reduce vaping among minors and educate youth about the risks. The vaping issue worries me because it often leads to addiction and health problems, not just for users but for those around them as well. I’ve seen the impact of vaping on friends who started using vape products without fully understanding the dangers.

The Elevate Student Health campaign focuses on improving access to nutritious food and ensuring safe drinking water in schools. Youth obesity is a major concern because it can limit opportunities for many kids. I’ve seen friends struggle with obesity, and it can affect both their confidence and their health. Our school provides meals, but they don’t always include the healthiest options. Access to clean drinking water is also essential. Without it, students may struggle with focus and energy. Healthy food and safe water are key to success in school and sports. Physical activity in schools is also crucial for everyone. Obesity continues to be a growing issue in our area, and it’s something we all need to pay attention to.

I care about helping others because addiction and health problems can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender or background. When people feel lost or alone, they need someone to stand by them, and I want to be that person. YAHL gives me the opportunity to speak up and take action so I can help others feel safe and supported. By participating in YAHL’s campaign opportunities, sharing helpful information and talking with community leaders, I can help create a healthier and happier future for everyone. Together, we can build a supportive network for change that lifts up those who need it most.