Students shine at AWARE conference
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Students from Bledsoe, Scott, and Shelby County Schools gathered for the Tennessee AWARE Youth Conference for a full-day event focused on empowering youth to lead mental health awareness initiatives within their schools and communities. Representing Bledsoe AWARE were Destiny Hernandez and Callie Caraway whose presentation earned the local organization funds for their program.
Centered around the theme “Youth Voice Taking Action,” the conference highlighted the innovation and leadership of students involved in the Project AWARE (Advancing Resilience and Wellness in Education) program.
A standout moment of the event was the highly anticipated “Shark Tank Pitch,” where youth councils presented original ideas aimed at strengthening mental health awareness and community engagement. Hernandez and Caraway delivered a compelling presentation advocating for the sustainability of AWARE Youth Councils. Their presentation featured a well-produced video alongside a persuasive speech showcasing the council’s monthly initiatives and community impact.
Judges praised the depth of planning, creativity, and clarity of their message. They commended the strong community partnerships established by the Bledsoe AWARE Youth Council.
As a result of their outstanding presentation, the Bledsoe team was awarded a $400 cash prize to support ongoing sustainability efforts through their school account.
Hernandez and Caraway expressed appreciation for the opportunity to represent their school and credited their success to the guidance of their club sponsors and professional counselors, Sabrina Schutt and Jenny Owens.
AWARE Program Director Dr. Becky Ridley applauded the students’ efforts, noting her pride in the dedication and preparation demonstrated by the team. She further recognized the support of community partners, including BTC Fiber, The Bledsonian-Banner, and the BCHS media class.
In addition to the competition, students participated in a variety of interactive sessions designed to promote wellness and self-care. Activities included a non-contact boxing session focused on stress relief, confidence-building, and healthy coping skills, plus an art-based wellness workshop that encouraged creative expression. These experiences provided students with practical tools to support their mental health.
The conference also highlighted the lasting impact of student involvement. When surveyed, 90 percent of participants reported they are more likely to engage in future leadership and advocacy efforts related to mental health.
The Tennessee AWARE Youth Conference continues to serve as a powerful platform for elevating student voices and reinforcing the importance of youth leadership in advancing mental health awareness.
