Yavapai County 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.
1st – 3rd Place Winners
- 1st Place Winner, Zahory Garcia Sanchez, age 17, Camp Verde High School
- 2nd Place Winner, Ellie Andre, age 16, Camp Verde High School
- 3rd Place Winner, Sienna Amodeo, age 17, Mingus Union High School
Honorable Mentions
- Aeva Colvin, age 16, Mingus Union High School
- Lilly Reyes, age 14, Mingus Union High School
- Dia Oskar, age 15, Mingus Union High School
- Rachel Rudeat, age 15, Mingus Union High School
- Mitchell Gorden, age 18, Mingus Union High School
- Fiona Jackson, age 15, Mingus Union High School
- Michael Puggie, age 15, Camp Verde High School
- Kaitlyn Wetzel, age 16, Camp Verde High School
- Addison Murdock, age 14, Camp Verde High School
- Taven Herrera, age 16, Camp Verde High School
- William Gallagher, age 14, Camp Verde High School
For more information about the youth essay contest or MATFORCE, visit matforce.org or call (928) 708-0100.
