Hello! My name is Michaela, and I proudly represent New Hampshire as their Youth Advisory Board representative.  This is my third year as a YAB member, and I am currently a senior attending Coe-Brown Northwood Academy.  At school, I participate in several clubs including Youth 2 Youth, Peer Helpers, and Student Government.  I am also a member in both the National Honor Society as well as the Spanish Honor Society.

My first experience with the DARE program was in 5th grade.  I had DARE class once a week for about ten weeks with the local DARE officer in my town.  Through that class, my peers and I learned the importance of resisting drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure.  We learned the effects each of these things can have, and most importantly, how to just say no.  At the DARE graduation culminating the DARE program for fifth grade, I was presented with Daren the Lion, which is a great honor awarded to one student each year.  In 7th grade, my DARE officer returned to the classroom to inform us even further, and again, it was a great experience.

DARE does so much more than teach adolescents about the dangers of alcohol and drugs; it teaches kids how to make positive, healthy decisions.  Decision-making lessons learned in DARE are helpful in regards to all aspects of life.  Children learn to become confident with their values and stick by them.

I applied to the Youth Advisory Board so I can make a positive difference in the lives of young kids.  I have enjoyed being a part of the YAB for the past two years and am excited to continue with my third and final year as New Hampshire’s YAB representative.