EL DORADO, Ark. – On November 6-7, 2024, SHARE Foundation’s eXtreme Prevention Services attended the Prevention Professionals of Arkansas (PPA) Awards Ceremony in Hot Springs along with the 13th Annual Stop Overdose Summit. At the PPA Awards Ceremony, one of the eXtreme Youth Programs leaders was nominated and received the Outstanding Youth Award for their exceptional work in prevention and youth engagement. This student was Claire Herrmann, a senior at El Dorado High School (EHS).
Claire’s journey in prevention began in the 9th grade when she joined eXtreme Youth Programs (EYP) at EHS. EYP focuses on the energy and creativity of young people to work together to create real solutions for a safe and drug-free community. It takes a modern approach to prevention by including youth in planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and implementation of prevention strategies. Claire’s natural leadership abilities and passion for making a difference were evident from the start. Through her eagerness and willingness to help, she became the “super volunteer” among her peers and the go-to person for EYP activities at her school.
Currently, Claire serves as the President of the EHS eXtreme Youth Programs Chapter where she leads students in leading drug-free lifestyles by organizing drug-free youth activities, community outreach programs, and educational presentations. She is also a member of the EHS Tennis Team and was the chairperson for the 2023-2024 HOCO Dance in El Dorado.
Jill Weinischke, SHARE Foundation’s Prevention Director, said, “I am so proud of Claire and all she has accomplished. She has emerged as a leader in her eXtreme Youth Programs Chapter at EHS and in the community by spearheading a successful drug-free Homecoming (HOCO) Dance two years in a row that recently opened up to all 9-12 graders in Union County.”
Along with school leadership roles, Claire is also a young leader in the community. She is a member of the ACTIVE Coalition at SHARE Foundation serving as the youth representative and sector member. During these meetings, Claire serves as the “voice of the youth” to ensure coalition goals and strategies are relevant and engaging for our local youth.
Claire is also the Vice President of DECA, where she helps prepare future leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Additionally, Claire participates and volunteers with the Union County Leadership Group, the Union County Fair, and the SouthArk Outdoor Expo.
SHARE Foundation seeks youth interested in joining eXtreme Youth Programs to build and grow leadership skills focused on drug-free lifestyles. For more information about eXtreme Prevention at SHARE Foundation, contact Jill Weinischke at 870-881-9015 or [email protected].
