Youth Advisory Council
2025 Youth Advisory Council Members from Left to Right: Top Row, Ahris McClaren, Marlee Keracik, Austin Benda, Kail Miles, Aiden Heiser, Bristol Prado, Norman Coley, Kapri Stover, Katelyn Walker, Tayten Haas, Miranda Betson, Carson Wilkins, Kate Pieper, Ellison Paetow, Jacey Cochran, Rubie Gies, Madison Engel, Jazlyn Ferguson, Adeline Fredrickson, Kirstyn Beberniss, Bianca Vargas
It's important for young people to have a voice because we are the future of the community. -YAC Member
Now in its second year, the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) provides a platform for Panhandle youth in grades 10–12 to share their perspectives on important health topics in their communities. The YAC has grown from 14 to 21 high school students, representing Chadron, Crawford, Gering, Gordon- Rushville, Hay Springs, Hemingford, Mitchell, Morrill, Garden County, and Scottsbluff. PPHD highly values the input of youth and uses their feedback to help shape our work.
From developing health promotions and advertisements to reviewing data and statistics, youth offer meaningful insights that might otherwise be overlooked. The YAC meets virtually over Zoom every other month to remove transportation barriers, and youth are compensated for the time they dedicate to improving the health of their communities. If you or your organization would like to incorporate youth voice into your work, please email Kelsy Sasse at ksasse@pphd.ne.gov to inquire about being added to an upcoming meeting agenda.
of YAC Members report feeling more empowered or represented due to input they provide at meetings
“I'm proud to be a part of the Youth Advisory Council and to be a
better leader and louder voice in my community.”
- YAC Member
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