By Payton Tholstrup

Isabelle Blackwood has been selected as the Kansas Prevention Counsel Youth Leader of the Year. She serves as the Vice President of Youth Leaders in Kansas (YLinK) at Clay Center Community High School, which is sponsored by The Clay Counts Coalition. She was selected to serve on the National Advisory Board for the C4 Center for Youth Well-Being.

The C4’s Center for Youth Well-Being is based out of The University of Oklahoma. She will participate in research being done on youth experiences in resiliency. This prevention study is one of the first of its kind to speak with and learn from youth and young adults about their experiences and ideas for prevention and intervention programming.

Isabelle is very involved at CCCHS. She is a three-sport athlete, an officer in FFA, and participates in the school’s drama and music programs. She also worked for CARES, INC. (Canine Assistance, Rehabilitation, Education Services).

“Izzy’s leadership and service as an advocate for others is proudly celebrated and valued by her fellow members of YLinK! We are confident that she will make a positive impact, not only on this advisory board, but also in how prevention is approached on a national level. Izzy is a strong member of the Clay Counts Coalition, which exists to promote social, physical, and mental well-being for the residents of Clay County, emphasizing reduction of youth substance use and to foster a thriving environment in which to live, learn, and play,” said Lori Martin, who is a YLinK sponsor.