Be unapologetically you, help others, move your body, ask for help, find your joy, spend time in the embrace of nature, be the nice kid, value honesty, and when life gets hard, turn up the music and dance like no one is watching! Our Eagle River Valley community comprises some extraordinary people, and Mrs. Jodie Metz is one of those community members! If you’ve had an opportunity to learn from her in the classroom, at an afterschool program, or at Grace Fellowship Church, you are one of the lucky ones! Jodie has fond memories of growing up in the small city of Superior, Wisconsin, situated along the shores of the beautiful Lake Superior. Although Jodie hasn’t lived in Superior since she graduated high school, she visits often to spend time with her family, who still live there. Shortly after graduation, Jodie moved to Colorado and attended Colorado State University, obtaining her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies. Recently, Jodie earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity with an emphasis in Special Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has been on an incredible journey as an elementary school teacher for two decades. Currently, Jodie is a Special Education teacher at Brush Creek Elementary School, where she has the honor of supporting Kindergarten through 5th grade students. She and her family moved to Eagle 12 years ago, and they love being able to call this special place home. They enjoy all that mountain living has to offer, from skiing together in the winter to hiking and golfing in the summer. When asked what influenced Jodie to become a teacher, she shared that teaching wasn't always in her life plan. However, her compass unfailingly pointed toward working with kids and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Jodie started her journey working with at-risk adolescents in a residential treatment facility and later managed a tutoring center. The path to public education unfolded, and she found her calling as a teacher. The joy of watching her students grow and learn continues to fuel her passion for teaching. Above all, Jodie's work is driven by a deep desire to ensure every student feels seen and valued. Building genuine connections with students is always her top priority. It is essential to Jodie that every child knows they have someone in their corner, someone cheering them on, and someone who believes in them. Over the years, Jodie has worn many hats to support the youth in Eagle County. She has led after-school programs like the Broadcasting Club, helping students to produce weekly videos for Brush Creek Elementary School. In addition, she also organized philanthropic projects for youth to engage in, such as “Pennies for Patients” and “Wish Week,” where they work collaboratively to raise funds for children in our community battling cancer. This year, Jodie and her colleague started a Run Club through YouthPower365, giving 3rd-5th grade students a way to stay active after school hours. Finally, she volunteers in the Children’s Ministry at Grace Fellowship Church in Gypsum, assisting with programs like Vacation Bible School and weekly bible studies. To the youth in Eagle County, Jodie would like to offer this advice: Be unapologetically you, help others, move your body, ask for help, find your joy, spend time in the embrace of nature, be the nice kid, value honesty, and when life gets hard, turn up the music and dance like no one is watching! Written by Cat Stone, Prevention Specialist for Mountain Youth. cstone@mountainyouth.org

Crashing to his own beat! Empathetic, charismatic, and engaged are three characteristics that sum up my friend Victor Lopez. I first met Victor, a sophomore at Battle Mountain High School when he spoke in front of the Eagle County School District Board of Education. Victor has appreciated getting to speak at these meetings, and is also realistic about change-making processes. As he shared, “Bringing up our student concerns doesn’t guarantee that there will be immediate change, but it does seem like we can help make positive change over time. That is hard because students do want to see change immediately.” Victor also quickly points out that school board members and the superintendent really do listen attentively and put their own experiences aside; they genuinely want to listen to student perspectives. Victor was invited to speak due to his involvement with the Youth Equity Stewardship (YES!) program, a District-wide program that Victor was recommended for by his 8th grade teachers at Berry Creek Middle School. “YES! is super fun. I love meeting new people and talking about what we can do better in schools together. We are exploring how we can create safe environments where students feel like they belong,” Victor reflects. One thing led to another, and Victor, alongside his friend Chase, helped pump up all of the District’s educators and support staff at last year’s Educator Academy. Bringing all of the District staff together for a quasi-pep rally, Victor shared his perspective on what major school transitions are like for students. Similarly to how he felt about transitioning into high school, the Educator Academy speech in front over 1,200 adults was, “Nerve wracking, amazing and opportunistic,” according to Victor. As Natia Luck, Eagle County School District’s Belonging and Engagement Coordinator, shares, “Victor is a committed community member, in all areas he is involved in. Whether it's football, board meetings, or helping set up, Victor is there with a smile on his face. Victor and I have worked together many years in YES!, where he has shown his ability to bring people together across differences. He is consistently authentic, kind, and open minded.” Through Victor’s involvement with YES! and interactions with the School Board, he can be honest about his personal experiences and brainstorm student supports with his peers. These have been valuable pipelines for authentic student voice. Victor points out that, since students from different schools are brought together, many points of view are shared and students work together toward common goals. Topics YES! students have worked on include sexuality and racism, and Victor has recognized changes in students feeling more confident being themselves. Mindfulness around labels and language has been another area of progress Victor has noticed. Victor has attended June Creek Elementary School and Gypsum Creek Middle School in addition to Berry Creek and Battle Mountain, and he treasures having lived in Eagle County since second grade. Things have not always been easy, having moved eleven times since he arrived in this community. Still, Victor deeply appreciates all of the opportunities for children and young people to get involved, both in and out of school. Victor has enjoyed Bravo’s music programs, YouthPower 365 services, and various job opportunities. Victor started playing football in sixth grade, as soon as he aged in, and has played lineman ever since, recently adding kicker to his repertoire. While Battle Mountain may not be known for their football successes, Victor raves about the coaches and upper classmen. They are all been extremely welcoming, helping the players learn the game as well as preparing them for the start of school. Navigating a tough freshman year personally, these individuals served as role models and helped provide a safe sanctuary for Victor on the field and on campus. His coach often translates the game of football into life lessons and is constantly holding players to high academic standards. Off the field, Victor plays cymbal with Battle Mountain’s varsity drumline. How does one get involved with drumline, and playing cymbal no less? In typical Victor fashion, he thought it would be fun and dropped Spanish in 8th grade to take drumline. “I want to change the reputation and make cymbals cool again,” Victor laughs. Cymbalists don’t typically have many prescribed notes, so Victor has been encouraged by older musicians to improvise, feeling out the song and chiming in on his own beat. To round out the resume, Victor has recently joined Mountain Youth’s Valley’s Voice squad. These middle and high school students identify gaps and needs in the community and pool resources together to take action. Victor has been leading a mental health project around kindness. He strives to ensure people are comfortable reaching out and talking when they are not ok. “I felt so isolated and alone when I was in a dark place. I wish I felt like I could talk to someone,” Victor remembers. Drawing from his personal experience, Victor is motivated to create student support structures and shifts norms so that no one feels alone. Ultimately, school, and friends at school, have been a safe haven for Victor. They have helped him feel safe, secure and welcome. Victor recognizes that this collection of opportunities is unique, and one that he has worked hard to curate. He realizes that these experiences can help him down the road, be them through technical skills he is mastering or relationships he continues to grow. He wants to remind his peers to take advantage of opportunities here- they are diverse and plentiful. Please say hello to Victor when you bump into him in the hallway, on the field, or out in the community. This friendly face is eager to grow his circle! Written by Michelle Stecher, Mountain Youth Executive Director. mstecher@mountainyouth.org

As a Mindful Movement Educator, Rachel's primary mission is to help people feel loved, valued, and cared for. Rachel Glowacki is a true difference maker throughout Eagle County, and her passion for connecting youth and parents to healthy living positively impacts people of all ages. Rachel was born and raised in White Plains, New York, in a family with a lot of adversity. Eager to move away from her childhood, she began working with youth as a nanny and a college student at Charleston Southern University. She didn't have a typical college experience, as she was responsible for balancing her work as a nanny and school. Her studies began with youth ministry and later shifted to liberal arts. After college, her love for working with children led her to teach 5th grade in Honduras. While in Honduras, she realized she had left something behind in Charleston that she needed to pursue. She asked Casey if his offer stood to "sweep her off her feet." He quickly fled to Honduras with an engagement ring to bring his girl back to Charleston. She and Casey got married, began opening restaurants, and became parents to two boys: Liam (senior at BMHS) and Grey (junior at BMHS). When the boys were in middle school and wanted to simplify their busy lives, they sold seven restaurants in Charleston, sold their furnished house, and left beach life for mountain life to open the Drunken Goat in Edwards. Thriving as a mountain family, they opened two more businesses in the valley: Cut and Wild Sage. In addition to supporting Casey's businesses and parenting, Rachel joined the Mountain Youth team in 2020 as our WE HEAR U program facilitator, designed to help families communicate and connect. She continues to practice as a yoga teacher, writer, and leader in the kid's yoga field. Since 1999, she has specialized in mindful movement for all ages and abilities. Rachel is an award-winning author of the Kids Yogaverse storybook apps, a keynote speaker at Mindful conferences, and has trained hundreds of teachers and students how to incorporate mindful movement in schools and at home. She hopes that one day, mindful movement will be taught regularly in schools like math and science! Rachel believes that a calm brain is a learning brain and a healthy body is a happy body, principles she shares with her students, young and old. Rachel's dedication to supporting the youth in our community is evident in her work. She wants to teach youth how to take care of their minds and regulate their bodies so they can control their nervous system. As a Mindful Movement Educator, Rachel's primary mission is to help people feel loved, valued, and cared for. For Rachel, everything she does is about ensuring that people feel these things. Whether it's teaching yoga, spending time with friends in nature, or parenting her children, Rachel believes that parental connection is the most significant need facing local youth, and that everything starts at home. Rachel encourages the youth in our community to respect others and themselves, to use dignity, consent and protection in all aspects of their lives, and to recognize that they have the right to change their minds and decide what works best for them. Her gentle approach is to ask youth what they are excited about after graduation rather than where they are going to college. This is just one example of how Rachel values the individual and emphasizes personal growth. She provides a safe and supportive environment for the youth in our community, where they can learn and grow. Rachel's dedication to supporting the youth, parents, and even the elderly is genuinely admirable, and her work inspires us all. Written by Cat Stone, Prevention Specialist for Mountain Youth. cstone@mountainyouth.org

A Big Comfort Zone - Scarlett Jones In Eagle, there is a girl wearing a pink helmet, commonly found on a skateboard or E-bike, and she might be the most impressive 7th grader in the county. She was the only woman SUP’er (stand up paddleboarder) in her age group at the GoPro games this year, led the organization of a community cleanup, and served as a youth advisor for Mountain Youth. In short - Scarlett can find herself out of her comfort zone pretty easily. Maybe she’s just got a big comfort zone? Calling the Eagle Valley home for over half of her life, she moved here from Michigan when she was five. She recalls jumping off her counter for fun with her brother… and there sets the stage for this adventure-full smiley girl. As any middle schooler, Scarlett is exploring sports and found enjoyment in volleyball and soccer. Last year, Scarlett gave softball a try when her friend's team needed an extra player for the last couple of games. Stoked to jump in and help and try something new (as she totally does), she scored a home run in one of the games. Scarlett’s dedication to her community and the environment is an inspiring example of youthful leadership. As a youth advisor for Mountain Youth, she spent the summer committing herself to her role, dedicating more work hours than any of her peers. One of her standout initiatives was spearheading a community cleanup project. With unwavering energy, she aimed to not only clean up the environment but also instill a sense of responsibility in fellow youth. Scarlett's creative approach involved combining fun and education through games and even a reusable water balloon fight, fostering an appreciation for a healthy, clean environment. Her passion for environmental activism isn't just a project; it's a genuine reflection of her values. She challenges her peers, asking them to consider why they would harm the very place that sustains their lives, and encourages treating the environment with the respect one would show to a mother. In Scarlett's own words, "Get out of your comfort zone, it's okay to be scared, you've got to get out there and try new things." Her candid advice to her fellow youth is a testament to her own journey of pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown. And while Scarlett might be young, her wisdom isn't confined to her age. She believes that age doesn't define knowledge, reminding adults that youth have much to offer. With a dash of humor, she wonders if adult skepticism stems from a tinge of envy – a reflection of the vibrant accomplishments and boundless possibilities the youth represent. Scarlett Jones, a trailblazing 12-year-old, continually breaks molds, bridges gaps, and paints a future where comfort zones are meant to be expanded and where the joy of participation knows no age limits. Written by Cameron Dole, Youth Engagement Manager for Mountain Youth. cdole@mountainyouth.org

Kevin has impacted youth lives both on the field and in the classroom. Kevin Armitage in every sense of the word is our Difference Maker. Kevin has put in countless volunteer hours and influenced hundreds of young people's lives in our community. Many of you know him as Coach Armitage from his 10+ years coaching almost every sport offered during his years as a volunteer coach for WECMRD/Mountain Rec from Wee Sports thru 5th grade. He then continued his coaching journey as the Eagle Valley Middle School Football coach, winning a championship trophy with each grade and finished his coaching career as assistant coach at Eagle Valley High School for one year. He was not only a coach to these youth but also a mentor, friend and a father to two. These coaching years were not just about winning and sport; they were about teaching, making connections, being a trusted adult, all enhanced by his strong sense of family values. Kevin has impacted our youths’ lives both on the field and in the classroom. He has been part of Junior Achievement teaching financial literacy to over 50 classes, as well as being part of Guardian Scholars, a program mentoring first generation HS students in financial budgeting and career opportunities. A little History of the how and why…Kevin moved to Vail in 1999 with the First Bank Management program, where he started his career in the financial world. One thing this program encouraged is involvement in the community. It’s here where Kevin’s dedication to community service really flourished. He found a personal fulfillment of giving back to the community and the impact one person can have. Volunteering at numerous events often alongside his wife and children. Through the years he learned how he could also make a direct impact as a board member of local organizations. Kevin shared what it means to be an active board member and finding a board that aligns with personal interests, values and goals. Kevin has been on the Home Buyers Assistance Board for 15 years, guiding many first-time home buyers in our community. Additionally, he was part of the Shaw Outreach Fundraising Team. This board brought a lot of fulfillment to some of his altruistic goals and saw this board come full circle in meeting its goals and being dissolved. Kevin was then looking for a new Board to get involved with and was introduced to Mountain Youth and felt his passion of serving youth aligned directly with Mountain Youth’s mission of “All Youth in Our Community Thrive”. Kevin has been serving on the Mountain Youth Board for two years and epitomizes what it means to be an active board member by contributing his financial knowledge as well as his board and community knowledge. He has steadfastly been involved in many of our events, most recently attending Youthapalooza, Sustainable Splash, and a table at Eagle Block Party. Kevin continues making connections, sharing our message and serving our youth. Written by Michele Zoller, Operation Manager for Mountain Youth. mzoller@mountainyouth.org

A new school year brings a chance to refocus priorities. As many high schoolers can attest, the transition from middle school to high school can be a difficult one. New location, new peers, heavier schoolwork loads, and for some adding a job requires a level of intention and time management. Going to Zealous Schools for all of middle school, he was a big fish in a little pond. And for many freshmen, overwhelm is one term they can identify with. Sam wants other students to know that checking in with your values and goals throughout the year is essential to being your best. Freshman year went by faster than he thought, and he found himself taking the summer to set some goals for the school year. In middle school, his hobbies and sports were strategy card games, cross-country running, and nordic skiing. There was less time for some of these hobbies once high school started. “I didn’t want to get rid of the hobbies, so I made them a weekend break time, something to tune out and recharge from school,” Sam explains. Sports are outlets for enjoyment, personal challenge, and connecting with friends for Sam. He understands that your best requires the reminder that your biggest competition is with yourself. As a GenZer, seeing social media influencers posting their lives as something to aspire to, Sam knows it’s easy to get stuck in the trap of comparison. Sam wants his peers to know that working on the balance of enjoying your youth while being intentional by setting attainable goals is one way you can make the most of this time. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”, and Sam acknowledges this is one challenge his generation knows well. It’s not something that will be easily moved past, but taking the time to identify and write out your weekly, monthly, or yearly goals can show you just how valuable your time is. It’s a little easier to see where you’re going when you set your directions. In talking about his freshman year Sam reflects, “I knew I wasn’t going to know how to do something well right away, but with time you get better. I can see myself as successful. For example, I went into freshman year only completing pre-algebra, but I challenged myself to take Honors Algebra II. I advocated for myself, because I know I’m one of 300 students my teacher might have. Some mornings I would go in and study before class, asking for clarification from my teacher. I would use Khan Academy, YouTube videos, some tools I used in middle school”. It might not be important for every student right now, but Sam thinks “It’s never too late to advocate for yourself and your academic career. It’s the beginning of the next school year, take a little time to reflect on what you want to get out of this year, and what you’re willing to give to be your best”. As school starts up this month, may you reach the goals you set, Sam! Written by Marcus Carter, Intervention Specialist for Mountain Youth. mcarter@mountainyouth.org

Paths Cross for a Reason... Every once in a while, we cross paths with people who make us say, “Whoa, that is a remarkable individual”. Not because they climbed Everest or they have 3 doctorate degrees, but because they exude the hope that our communities so desperately need. Sometimes these people are motivated by “doing good” or believing in earthly kindness. Others are motivated by faith. This is Etta McCarthy. I met Etta at Eagle Valley Middle School while we were both volunteering for the Youth Power 365 Summer Camp lunch service. We were treated to chicken tenders and pasta salad after serving about 45 young people. Etta ate her lunch with a few kids in the cafeteria. I noticed how interested she was in these young people. Her comforting voice and selfless conversation intrigued me and so we chatted. Her story begins in Wal-Mart. But before telling that story, you need to know that Etta started working with young people as a member of her church and leader of a youth group called the J-Team. The J-Team had been asked by the Salvation Army to provide food for a family. Etta left her phone number with this family seeing that they could possibly use more support, especially the 6 year-old daughter who we will call Tina. At Wal-Mart, 2 months later, Etta ran into this family and reaffirmed her willingness to help the family out. Before Etta knew it, and after establishing a fun, healthy relationship with Tina, Tina’s mom needed a serious surgery. Tina ended up moving in with Etta for 4 months and served essentially as a guardian. This meant going to school meetings, volunteering at school, and providing everything that Tina needed. After the initial 4 months, Etta then cared for Tina 6 days out of 7. Who does this? How can an individual find time and energy to raise another child after having her own? Remarkable. Just remarkable. Kids need friends and Tina found lots because everyone wanted a part of “Grandma Etta”. These friends, either as church activities or family activities, went on camp outs, trips to Denver, and they even went to California. All of this was alongside Eagle County activities like movies, ice cream, plays, musicals, and just plain fun. All of them had an adult who modeled kindness, love, and giving back. But, Tina, she is the one who was special to Etta and Etta was special to her. At almost 21 years old now, Tina is very busy with life, Etta and Tina still talk, text and meet up for lunch occasionally. Can we all be Etta McCarthy? Maybe, but probably not. Across time, more than 50 kids have had Etta in their lives. Some for a short time, and other for a long time. Etta would like to encourage other seniors to get involved with the community and specifically with youth. She says it will enrich their lives and young people can learn from the wisdom of the aged. In her mid-seventies now, Etta is taking it easy. Still volunteering whenever possible, you might cross paths with her as I did. Be sure to thank her. Written by Sandy Schroeder, Director of Community Engagement for Mountain Youth. sschroeder@mountainyouth.org

A true local, who aims to cultivate a sense of community in Eagle County! If you have lived in Eagle County for any period of time, it is likely that you have seen the angelic face of Maddie Evans. Whether you recognize her from her time hosting the Good Morning Vail show on TV8, volunteering with local organizations, or emceeing community events, it is not uncommon to see Maddie out and about around the county. She is an energetic young professional who makes it a point to immerse herself in all that this community has to offer. Maddie is a true long-time local, who grew up in Eagle County. She even recalls going to school in Minturn back when there was a public middle school located there. In her formative years, Maddie made strides in the world of competitive alpine skiing. Despite her comparably tiny frame, she excelled at the sport from an early age, and found her passion out on the snow-covered mountains. After some sports related injuries, and as Maddie developed other passions in her life, she turned her competitive skiing career into more of a hobby (although you can still find her out on the mountain as much as possible every winter!) When she is not on the mountain or outdoors, she can be found with her Great Pyrenees rescue dog, Beatrice. Maddie is an advocate for these big dogs and stays involved with her mother’s Great Pyrenees rescue organization, which is based in Utah. She teaches others about the need to find wonderful forever homes for these dogs, because they can be less likely to be adopted out due to their large size. This loving advocacy for these gentle giants is just one more way that Maddie’s caring personality is represented. Never one to waste any time, Maddie has jumped in with volunteering opportunities around the county. She is proud to take part in Pride in the Park as a volunteer and LGBTQ+ ally. Maddie has also participated in the Buddy Mentor program through Bright Future Foundation. Established in 1983 and based on the national Big Brother/Big Sister model of mentorship, Buddy Mentors strives to inspire and foster youth through building consistent and trusting relationships. Maddie was proud to serve as a Buddy Mentor for a wonderful elementary-aged youth in 2022. Maddie enjoyed hanging out with her buddy and helping to create a sense of community for this local youth and their family. For the past 2 years, Maddie has served at the emcee for Project Funway, which is the signature fundraisers for the Education Foundation of Eagle County. This event raises money to support the Education Foundation of Eagle County across all areas of its mission, helping Eagle County students, teachers, and schools through grants, awards, programs, mental health issues, and more. Maddie has been grateful for this opportunity, and looks forward to participating each year! She has also emceed other events on our community, such as Power of the Purses and even local comedy shows. Maddie recently started a new position as the Marketing and Inventory Manager at Alpine Kind, which has locations in Minturn and Beaver Creek. She is excited take her social media and marketing experience with her to promote this wonderful business. Alpine Kind is a mountain inspired apparel and gift store that has a little something for everyone! Maddie expresses appreciation for the owner, Sally January, who is a young entrepreneur who strives to retain employees and help others thrive in the valley by providing affordable housing and a fair salary. You can learn more about Alpine Kind at https://alpinekind.com/, and make sure to visit one of their store locations! Maddie Evans is definitely a community figure you should aim to meet if you haven’t yet already! She carries her positive attitude with her wherever she goes, which you will find is completely contagious! She is grateful that you can find a non-profit in our valley for nearly every passion you may have, and she encourages everyone to find a way to get involved. Maddie states that her advice for the youth in our community would be to allow yourself to enjoy the things in our community that are accessible to you and to take advantage of all of the programs and organizations that can help you with college and career readiness. She also encourages everyone to safely spend time out in the sun, for it is your best friend! Maddie Evans is truly a Difference Maker, and she continues to do great things for Eagle County! Thanks for all that you do, Maddie! Written by Krystle James, Marketing and Events Manager for Mountain Youth. kjames@mountainyouth.org

Expanding Access for Healthier, More Active Youth Daniel Robinson and Caspian Covarrubias, two 14-year-old young people who live in Avon, are determined, hard-working, kind, and active individuals who seek to provide low-cost access to recreation in the Vail Valley. Three years ago, both teens joined Valley’s Voice, Mountain Youth’s youth-led, adult-supported program that focuses on education and community service projects, to make positive changes within their community. Youth in Valley’s Voice are encouraged to develop Passion Projects that focus on a need or area of prevention that they are interested in. One such project that Daniel and Caspian are passionate about is improving access to Avon Recreation Center’s workout facility. Daniel is a focused, fun, smart, and active young person who does every sport you could possibly imagine. He has lived in Avon for 14 years and participates in cross-country, basketball, Nordic skiing, track, and swimming. Daniel believes in the importance of youth voices in organizations to ensure their ideas are a part of the decision-making process, especially when it impacts youth. He is focused on his well-being and health and by extension, hopes to bring more opportunities to his community to become and stay active. Caspian is a dedicated, light-hearted, driven, and active teen who loves to play soccer and is the goalkeeper for Vail Valley Soccer Club. Caspian plans to attend Vail Mountain School next year for high school and is interested in medicine, particularly anesthesiology and radiology. Joining Valley’s Voice three years ago has helped Caspian develop self-confidence, and trust in himself, and has played a major role in this chapter of his life. Caspian attends many camps, is involved in local activities, and hopes to bring more opportunities to his community. Caspian and Daniel spend much of their free time at Avon Recreation and created a Passion Project focused on creating greater access for youth under 15 years of age. The current policy at Avon Recreation allows teenagers to access the workout facility alone only after they have taken the Strong Teen program. The Strong Teen program started in the summer of 2022, and is available for anyone between 13-18 years old to learn basic weightlifting and exercise techniques. Teens who are 13-14 must take this class to access the gym without parental supervision. The class is offered every other Saturday and costs $25. Caspian and Daniel worked with Avon Recreation to share their ideas and increase access to the class so all youth have an opportunity to learn weightlifting techniques and use the gym on their own. Young people like Daniel and Caspian are working to create a more active, healthy, and inclusive community through their own ideas and actions. Thank you to these two strong, courageous, and involved youth for following your passion and making our community a more inclusive and youth-centered place to live! Written by Stevi Bratschi, sbratschi@mountainyouth.org Stevi Bratschie serves as the Director of Community Education for Mountain Youth, a local organization dedicated to youth development, prevention education, and community engagement.

Kaitlyn believes every student, from all backgrounds, with every kind of story, deserves access to education, resources, and not worrying about things that adults worry about. Many Coloradans take the time to be outside, and bringing youth into the outdoors is something that makes Kaitlyn Merriman come alive. Growing up in Boulder, Kaitlyn spent her time mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, rafting; all the quintessential activities Colorado is known for. While at CU Boulder, studying Communication, she fell in love with how communication is at the core of all levels within change and society. Kaitlyn learned how to listen more effectively, how cultural communication styles abound within our communities, and started to think how to get youth connected to the outdoors while meeting some valuable communication needs. Kaitlyn joined Walking Mountains as Community Programs Manager, where she experienced the joy and meaning that comes with youth education and the outdoors. “I was in environmental education for a decade,” she says. “Everyone deserves nature. Nature heals, teaches, reduces symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Getting our youth to have less screen time and more engagement in wilderness is powerful. People need to get outside, and have access to it”. Her work with Walking Mountains fueled a desire to meet youth in even more practical and accessible ways. Kaitlyn believes every student, from all backgrounds, with every kind of story, deserves access to education, resources, and not worrying about things that adults worry about. That belief brought her to YouthPower365. The organization is able to meet even more kids where they are at. As Middle School Operations Manager, Kaitlyn gets to offer unique supports to youth. Afterschool programs are robust and diverse in selection, youth get to show up with no judgment. These programs are bringing a love of learning, curiosity, and age-appropriate activities they can enjoy while learning. They offer chances for kids to connect to friends they might only see outside of school. YouthPower365 wraps around kids with support as well, and Kaitlyn understands that the number one indicator of social success for youth is family engagement. When asked about a motivator for her professional work, she says “Systems that work for people, course correction, and influencing a system that is going to work for everyone, and that is equitable is what continues to fuel her work and passion”. Kaitlyn and YouthPower365 listen well before acting. They hear from families, and stakeholders, before saying this is what we’re doing, part of that movement that leads by example. Kaitlyn’s work gives her the ability to walk the walk and talk the talk of youth empowerment and effective change. Kaitlyn wants youth to know it’s okay to not be okay. Between social media pressure, school, and sports, students are constantly performing. Many are suffering silently. There are people and organizations to talk to, support like a trusted adult, friends, therapists, coaches, after school programs where you’re surrounded by other youth. As a reminder, it’s okay to talk about not being okay, to acknowledge the mental health of our youth, and to embrace them, with compassion and empathy, within our community. Written by Marcus Carter, Intervention Specialist at Mountain Youth, mcarter@mountainyouth.org

From the Court to the Auto Shop, Yurcak’s Compassion and Leadership are Contagious Accomplished high school athletes might collect titles such as Western Slope Co-Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, All Conference First Team, All State Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA), All State Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports (CCGS), and six unique seasons as captain. For many athletes, this would require a busy enough schedule for them to hang their hats and relax off the field and court. Cassandra "CJ" Yurcak has humbly accomplished each of these feats through volleyball, lacrosse and basketball, yet there is so much more that defines this Eagle Valley High School (EVHS) Senior. What sets CJ apart from her peers is the way she handles situations. There have been a series of formative experiences that have impacted CJ, including losses of close friends and family members. A major tragedy shook our community six years ago when CJ‘s dear friend Olivia died by suicide. A long-time teammate and friend, this shocking loss brought their social circle together in unexpected manners. “The more we talk about Olivia and other losses, the more exposure we have and the less likely it is to happen again,” CJ reflects. She is determined to help break stigmas and increase access to resources and supports. The aftermath of Olivia’s death brought weekly check ins with close friends as well as tremendous support from counselors. Olivia would be walking with her graduating class this year. CJ invited Olivia’s mother Vicky to walk with her on senior night for volleyball as a nod to her remembrance and their friendship. Reaching out and making sure people know others are there for them is critical. CJ describes, “It is imperative to be mindful of how you show up for and treat others, and how you take care of yourself in the wake of tragedies. There are people who want you there.” She continues, “More recently, in remembrance of Kellen, everyone was there to support each other. We have such easy access to each other - lets make sure we are cautious of what we are saying and use those avenues to check in on each other.” CJ calls out local resources such as Speak Up Reach Out, Eagle County’s local suicide prevention coalition, and the Happiness Project, where she often shares tips and quotes for inspiration. She talks about being intentional about how we show up for others, and how sharing kindness can change someone’s day. For CJ, losing her good friend to suicide was a wakeup call. She describes the challenges of attending a larger high school where not everyone knows each other, and how it can be intimidating to get involved. Her advice to peers would be to get involved; to do as much as you can and have as many experiences as you can. You only get to be a kid once. Enjoy it while you can. It makes for a fun experience to be able to float from group to group and get involved with so many aspects of school and social life, travelling for sports, and getting to volunteer. What a great outlook to have on community engagement, and a beautiful reflection of CJ’s childhood in our community, and gratitude for this special place. Formally, CJ has pursued a number of volunteer roles. Her parents are a primary inspiration to get involved with the community. She has been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten and her brother is an Eagle Scout. Her parents have always been involved as coaches and troop leaders, and her father is currently one of the most frequent volunteers with the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance. She has volunteered at the animal shelter where she ended up with a pet rabbit, and served with National Honor Society and Link Crew- both great ways to enrich her high school experience. Highlights in her volunteerism have been welcoming incoming freshman through Link Crew, and building four doghouses with her uncle and father for the animal shelter. She recently helped lead a project with students from Brush Creek Elementary where they visited the animal shelter and created flyers about animals up for adoption. They made over 40 flyers and every animal was adopted! Another unique aspect of CJ is her interest and potential future in automotive mechanics. Spurred from a shop class at EVHS taught by her friend Rylie’s dad, she was encouraged by her father to pursue a course that offers practical life perspective. CJ describes, “I was taking a lot of Dual Enrollment courses but not anything path-oriented. Our teacher Jim makes it a fun competition- and I love competitive environments! For example, we compete in who can change a tire quickest. I like to push myself and never thought I would succeed in this field. We have two females and the rest guys, out of class of 18. The problem-solving I learn in auto can apply to so many areas of my life.” Through her auto shop experiences at EVHS, CJ is embracing a future of obtaining certifications in automotive and diesel mechanics, alongside an Associates in Applied Science and competitive volleyball career. This opens up numerous possibilities for her future including owning an auto business, teaching, or moving onto another venture and holding auto as a side hobby. Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming is incredibly lucky to have CJ join their campus this year! Written by Michelle Stecher, mstecher@mountainyouth.org Michelle Stecher serves as the Executive Director of Mountain Youth, a local organization dedicated to youth development, prevention education, and community engagement. Michelle is also the proud aunt of CJ Yurcak.

Amelia wants youth in the community to know that sustainability is in every corner of their life and that small actions can add up and make a greater change. Amelia Kovacs is a fun-loving, enthusiastic, and caring difference maker in Eagle County. With a degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology, as well as a minor in Sustainability and a certificate in Sustainable Food Systems from Arizona State University (ASU), Amelia knew she wanted to positively impact the world through sustainability moving forward. Amelia had worked in the fast food industry in her youth and recognized the inefficiencies and lack of waste diversion as an issue. That was when she decided that she wanted to positively impact our planet by getting into work that focused on sustainability. In college, Amelia worked diligently to create the first residential compost program in her dorm and at the university, drafted a climate action plan alongside a city councilwoman, and represented ASU at the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain. After graduating, Amelia joined Walking Mountains in Avon, CO in the summer of 2021 as a Sustainability Intern. Following her internship, Amelia landed a full-time position as the Sustainability Programs Coordinator, where she focuses on waste diversion. She currently leads the Materials Management Task Force at Walking Mountains, managing the county’s diversion report, supervising the Sustainability Internship program, and overseeing 115+ days of zero waste events per year. In 2022, Amelia and the collective zero waste team helped divert 51,540 pounds from the landfill through recycling and composting with an average diversion rate of 81%. You have probably impacted this diversion rate when you have attended local events all across the Valley that have the green pop-up Walking Mountains tents and staff helping direct you on which bin your trash should go in. Thank you for your efforts! Amelia is passionate about making sustainability fun and accessible to all. She believes in meeting people where they are and introducing sustainable changes in a way that is engaging and enjoyable. This approach also applies to Amelia’s work with youth, which she loves. She facilitates recycling tours for 2nd graders through high schoolers, leads in-school assemblies across the district to talk about recycling, and coordinates Zero Waste programs where many of the staff that work events are youth and young adults. Amelia also leads the Sustainability Internship in summers where most interns are young adults in or right out of college and this program helps them get their foot in the door in sustainability. Amelia wants youth in the community to know that sustainability is in every corner of their life and that small actions can add up and make a greater change. She believes in asking questions and using one’s voice to bring sustainability to the spotlight to make a bigger difference. Amelia says, “We’re listening.” In addition to her work with Walking Mountains, Amelia became involved with Mountain Youth this year, by helping coordinate the new Green Yeti program. This program was requested by John A. Dobson Ice Arena who wanted to be part of the zero-waste initiative. This new program provides youth, mostly our local high schoolers, with the opportunity to learn and grow and use their knowledge of sustainability to help divert waste made by our very own Vail Yeti hockey spectators. Amelia spoke to Valley’s Voice members to address how to obtain more youth involvement and trained members who were interested in joining the program. While sustainability is always on her mind, Amelia has other areas in her life that she likes to put time and focus into. She volunteers twice a month with a local organization, SOS Outreach, and provides outdoor activity learning and quality time with youth as a mentor figure on the mountain. In addition to her skiing and mentorship, you can find her playing soccer in the local recreation team, dabbling in photography and videography, or continuing her journey in cooking. Amelia’s passion for sustainability, combined with her dedication to youth outreach, makes her a true difference maker in Eagle County. She is committed to making sustainability fun, accessible, and engaging for all, and her impact is sure to be felt for years to come. If you have questions for Amelia, desire to learn more about sustainability in our Valley, or want to join the Zero Waste team, you can reach Amelia at ameliak@walkingmountains.org. You can also visit the Walking Mountains webpage at www.walkingmountains.org for more information regarding their initiatives and programs. If you have questions about recycling, compost, and/or waste diversion in Eagle County, you can access any of the following resources: Download the Waste Wizard App: Click here for directions Vail Honeywagon: https://www.vailhoneywagon.com Written by Grace Meinberg, Mountain Youth Manager of Safe Driving, info@mountainyouth.org