Local Oktaha 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 2025.

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

The YAHL Summit is a key event for young health advocates in Oklahoma to voice their concerns and offers them a platform to develop their leadership skills to really make a difference in their communities. It 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.

Olivia’s is also an advocate for abandoned animals in need and volunteers with Paws N Claws –Eufaula an initiative working to find homes for the City of Eufaula pound/shelter dogs at risk of being euthanatized.

Her commitment to the community does not stop there. Olivia also volunteers for the Out of the Darkness yearly event, promoting suicide awareness and prevention and plays a leading role in her youth program at First Baptist Church.

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.

“By being a part of YAHL, I have been giv-en 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. I really 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 and that’s what I’m working on.”