On June 5, local student Olivia Shackelford of Eufaula was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Youth Prevention Award in Oklahoma City at the Heartland Conference. This past week Olivia got to meet up with friends again at the YAHL Summit.

“I’m so thankful to be part of this program; it truly has helped me grow as a person,” Olivia said.

The Youth Prevention Award is presented to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preventing alcohol and substance abuse through dedicated volunteer work, advocacy, and partnerships with community organizations. Olivia’s passion for prevention and positive change exemplifies the values celebrated by this prestigious honor.

A true leader in her community, Olivia has worked tirelessly to promote healthier lifestyle options. As a member of the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) team, she has actively presented proposals to her school board and superintendent, advocating for updated health policies that align with federal, state, and TSET standards.

Her commitment to youth well-being goes beyond the classroom. She has taken her advocacy to the Oklahoma State Capitol, where she met with lawmakers to push for stricter regulations on tobacco advertising tactics aimed at young audiences.

“Vaping and e-cigarettes has also become a huge problem with teens, especially within the school system,” Olivia said. “Of course there’s the peer pressure from friends who vape because they think it’s cool. However, now companies are also targeting young people and they have added flavors like cotton candy, strawberry kiwi, and banana to entice their taste buds and keep them coming back for more. So we needed to bring more awareness to our communities and advocate for change here too by going to the Capital to speak with legislators to push policies to keep vaping off school campuses. By being a part of YAHL, I have been given the chance to make a real difference in my school and community. I want to continue making a positive impact and helping my fellow students lead healthier lives by making healthier choices.”

The YAHL Summit is a valuable opportunity for young Oklahomans to become empowered health advocates who will make a positive impact in their community. Attendees learn how to connect with their communities, gather support and advocate for positive change.

“At the summit I had the opportunity to speak with some of the board members from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), including the director of TSET, Julie Bisibee. It felt good to voice my concerns and advocate for healthier communities.”

While at the Summit Olivia won two more awards, the Unstoppable Award and the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) Award.

Beyond her prevention efforts, Olivia’s compassion extends to animals in need. She is a volunteer of Paws N Claws –Eufaula which was co-founded by her mother, Lori Powell-Fells, and friend, La-Donna Rhodes, an initiative that works to find homes for shelter dogs at risk of euthanasia.

Through community support and volunteers like Olivia, the organization, Paws N Claws -Eufaula, has established a pet food pantry, ensuring families facing financial difficulties can continue caring for their beloved animals. Olivia personally dedicates time to visiting the shelter, cleaning kennels, socializing pets, and assisting in adoption efforts.

Her commitment to the community does not stop there. Olivia serves as a committee member for the Out of the Darkness chapter, promoting suicide awareness and prevention. She is an exceptional student, ranked first in her class with an impressive 4.53 GPA, and actively involved in her school’s student council. Also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church, she plays a leading role in the youth program and choir.

This summer, Olivia plans to participate in the Oklahoma ABLE Commission program, further expanding her efforts in youth tobacco prevention. Her dedication to advocacy, her academic excellence, and her service to both people and animals make her an exemplary leader.

“I think you have to first recognize that there’s a problem,” Olivia said. “Then you have to be willing to be a part of the solution.”

The Heartland Conference proudly celebrated Olivia Shackelford for her outstanding contributions and dedication to prevention efforts.

For more information about the Youth Prevention Award and the Heartland Conference visit heartlandconference.