When working to support the health and well-being of young people, working with young people is essential to that process. That is why the Youth Ambassador Program is such an important piece of MYAA.
The MYAA Youth Ambassadors are a talented group of students from across Missouri who serve as the statewide youth voice for substance abuse prevention. They go through training with some of the top professionals in the field, design their own presentations to give in their communities, meet with legislators, and help plan the Speak Hard Youth Conference.
Youth ambassadors play an integral role in the overall development and operation of our statewide underage drinking prevention initiative. MYAA’s adult members work together with the Youth Ambassadors in planning and implementing prevention practices and programs, as well as yearly events including the annual statewide youth conference, Speak Hard and annual Prevention Day at the Capitol.
Members of MYAA’s Youth Ambassador Program are hardworking and well versed individuals who have demonstrated their commitment by reaching out to peers, friends, and younger students. Youth Ambassadors serve as role models for other students and agree to abstain from using drugs and alcohol.
If you know of a young person who would be great for the Youth Ambassador Program, or you are a young person who wants to get involved, the applications will open on March 25, 2015 and close on May 4, 2015. Check out the Youth Ambassador website (http://www.actmissouri.org/youth-ambassadors/) for more information and for access to the application when it becomes available.
Krysta Ott
Smith-Cotton Junior High, Sedalia
- Reason why I am a youth ambassador: To share my opinion, and let others know it’s okay to make the right decision.
- Favorite subject in school: English, I love reading and gaining new knowledge. Then, I love to write about everything I read about!
- Favorite thing to do outside of school: Play softball and perform.
- What we hope to do after high school: As of right now, go to college for Theater Education.
Kara Bernskoetter
Calvary Lutheran High School, Jefferson City
- Reason why I am a youth ambassador: help the youth make positive choices and reach out to others.
- Favorite Subject in school: Math because I like solving problems and it has great life applications.
- Favorite thing to do outside of high school: play volleyball, shop, and be with my friends.
- What I want to do after high school: attend Lincoln University.
Krista Stanford
Calvary Lutheran High School, Jefferson City
- Reason why I am a youth ambassador: help other students be drug and alcohol free; connect with other students who want to do the same.
- Favorite Subject in School: history, because i love learning new things and it’s intriguing.
- Favorite thing to do outside of school: i enjoy being with my friends.
- What I want to do after high school: go to Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and pursue a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education.
Kara Bernskoetter, Krysta Ott, Becky Bade, Krista Stanford, and Tali Azar at a Youth Ambassador training at ACT Missouri.
Each quarter we will be highlighting some of our Missouri Youth Adult Alliance Youth Ambassadors. To learn more about the Youth Ambassador Program or MYAA, visit our website.