Verde Valley News – MATFORCE, a primary prevention organization that focuses on stopping youth substance use before it starts, is excited to announce the winners of the annual #StayHealthy Essay Contest. MATFORCE has implemented the essay contest since 2019 to start youth thinking about the harms and consequences of substance use and sharing those thoughts with their peers and the community. Students throughout Yavapai County participated in the contest.
First through third place winners won cash prizes ranging from $500 to $100 respectively. Honorable mentions received a cash prize of $50 each. A new category for 2024, called the Executive Choice Award, was created to acknowledge the participation of additional essays. Winners in this category received $10 Amazon gift cards.
1st – 3rd Place Winners
- 1st Place Winner Toby Chang, age 17, BASIS Prescott
- 2nd Place Winner (tied) Tashyla Wagner, age 16, Mingus Union High School
- 2nd Place Winner (tied) Aubrey Tomlinson, age 14, Prescott High School
- 3rd Place Winner (tied) DestinyRose Johnson, age 17, Camp Verde High School
- 3rd Place Winner (tied) Aiden Mezulis, age 15, Camp Verde High School
Honorable Mentions
- Paige Culver, age 14, Mingus Union High School
- Nariyah Thompson, age 16, Mingus Union High School
- Amber Anaya Martinez, age 16, Mingus Union High School
Executive Choice Awards
- Ky’noe Honwytewa
- Leslie Torayno
- Zayden James
- Taven Herrera
- Emmary Bast
- Angel Santos Estanislao
- Vittoria Fiorillo
- Lexi Cabrera
- Anna Oleden
- Kayleigh Wright
- Ava Worthen
- Taylor Miller
- Enrique Castillo-Barrias
- Danielle Khin
- Preslie
For more information about the youth essay contest or MATFORCE, visit matforce.org or call (928) 708-0100.