Would you want to learn more about mental health awareness? If so, the Youth Ambassador Program is for you.

The Youth Ambassador Program (YAP for short) is a county-wide program that encourages student input in mental health initiatives. The program has three to four events a year at the CCBC Dome that all spread awareness for issues regarding mental health.

Six Beaver Area High School students attended September 26.

The event's main focus was mental illness in teenagers and suicide awareness and began with a touching tribute to consistent contributor to YAP, Minister Shon Owens. Dr. Don Sheffield then came on stage to lift everyone's spirits with an enthusiastic call-and-response as well as a mental health rap.

Mental Health professional Keirston Parham then took the stage with a touching talk on recovering from trauma and the effect trauma has on youth.

After a lunch and dance break, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention education chair Jamie Zelazny spoke about mental health awareness in teenagers as a whole.

"The whole idea of empowering youth to educate and support their peers with mental health is great," sophomore Brenna Downer said about the event.

"The overall goal is for students to feel like they are not alone," guidance counselor Mrs. Caitlyn Belhumeur said about the program. "I hope this article brings more awareness to this program."

Listen to the morning announcements for information on the next YAP summit!