17
May 2015
Troy native finds passion from work with LCYAC
duce substance use by Latah County youth by providing opportunities for personal development. Their youth ambassador program is made up of high school students from all six Latah County school districts who pledge to abstain from illegal substances while promoting healthy attitudes, positive choices and service to their communities. “As a youth ambassador, I always Photo courtesy of Corey Crownhart Rio Harris speaks about finding passion and making a difference felt that my opinion was valued,” Rio said. “I think that gave me a lot of conat the 2015 iDFY Youth Leadership Retreat last November. fidence, knowing that I could make a difference.” Story by Sam Johnson Rio remembered one of her first accom Rio Harris was a 15-year-old sophomore at plishments in Troy was to help decrease underTroy High School when she first got involved age drinking during the town’s Old Timers’ Day. with the Latah County Youth Advocacy Coun- “My idea was to have a movie night in the park, cil (LCYAC) as a youth ambassador. Since then, so we got some sponsors and had snacks,” she she’s been dedicated to helping young people said. “That was one of my first experiences in creating a change in my community.” stay away from drugs and alcohol. “I want to inspire youth to find their pas- The leadership of LCYAC was so impressed sion in life by finding that thing to live for,” Rio with Rio’s dedication that they created a job said. “It can be athletics or science or art; I want for her when she started attending UI. While to help people find that thing as early as they studying public relations at the university, Rio can so they don’t get lost. And I want to let kids has also been able to apply what she’s learned by managing LCYAC’s social media and internet know that they aren’t alone.” LCYAC is an organization that aims to re- presence as the group’s media coordinator.
Rio will be graduating from UI this month, and then plans on moving up to Coeur d’Alene to begin her position as the Director of Community Engagement for Idaho Drug Free Youth. Her first task there will be to help with their four-day Idaho Youth Summit, which will be taking place between June 9–12. “It’s my favorite week of the year,” she said. Reflecting on what she’s enjoyed about the work she does, Rio said, “The realm of drug prevention is just an avenue for helping kids find their passions. To me, it’s important to be healthy, and I’m excited to be able to go on to Idaho Drug Free Youth and help kids across the state. I’m very lucky to have had the opportunities that they’ve set up for me.” Before leaving, Rio will be preparing for the LCYAC Talent Show (see below) and searching for the next group of youth ambassadors. “The youth ambassadors strive to be positive role models. They try to live their lives as healthy as possible and try to demonstrate to kids that they can be happy and have fun without drugs and alcohol,” she said. Youth ambassador applications are due May 15, and can be found at www.latah.id.us/ yac/ under ‘Forms.’ More information about attending the Idaho Youth Summit in June can be found at idahodrugfreeyouth.org.
LCYAC celebrates youth with Historical Society hosts Mother’s talent show and art showcase Day tea party May 9 The Latah County Youth Advocacy Council (LCYAC) will host the 2015 Awards Night & Talent Show on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. in the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center. Tickets to the event cost $5. The night will allow students from across Latah County to showcase their talents. Performers have a chance to win cash prizes up to $150. Winners of LCYAC Awards will also be honored at the event. Performers will include Allyson & Savannah LeForce (Potlatch), Adrija “Andru” Sudheesh (Moscow), Bailey Gray (Moscow), Brandon Wheeler (Moscow), Cameron Barton (Genesee), Claire Wilson (Potlatch), Emily Groseclose (Juliaetta), Hailey Gomez (Moscow),
Hannah Kindelspire (Moscow), Izzy Burns (Moscow), Jennings R. Shook (Moscow), Katelyn “Katie” Bogar (Deary), Lynnsean Young (Moscow), Makenzie Stout (Genesee) and Morgan Baier (Troy). Several young artists are also currently on display in the Prichard Art Gallery Children’s Art Room until May 7. The artists on display include Breanna Gilman (Moscow), Sydney Armstrong (Moscow), Jessica Holmes (Genesee), Morgan Silflow (Kendrick), Maecie Robbins (Moscow), Cade Silflow (Kendrick), Griffin Olsen (Moscow) and Ryley Bryant (Moscow). The event can be found on Facebook under the title “2015 Awards Night & Talent Show.”
The Latah County Historical Society invites you to celebrate Mother’s Day with a Victorian Tea on Saturday, May 9. Tea will be served from 2 to 4 p.m. with four courses of traditional high tea fare. Courses will include finger sandwiches, breads and scones, cookies and sweets, and fruits and candy. Apple juice will be available for younger attendees. The cost is $20 per guest, or $70 for a table of four. We are able to accommodate larger parties upon request. Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 6. Guests are welcome to dress for the occasion. Seating will be arranged throughout the mansion. Enjoy old fashioned etiquette tips and light music. For more information, or to RSVP, please call 208-882-1004, email lchslibrary@latah.id.us, or stop by the Centennial Annex from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, at 327 East Second Street.
Car wash will benefit ATVP A car wash held at the Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) located at 405 SE Bishop Blvd in Pullman will benefit the nonprofit organization Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse (ATVP).
The car wash will take place on May 2 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the WSECU parking lot. Fees are by donation. ATVP’s goal is to end domestic, sexual and individual violence and victimization on the Palouse.