By Lyndsie Ferrell
DEL NORTE— Students with the Youth Prevention Council hosted a short presentation Thursday to the school board and the attending crowd. The board welcomed the students and asked them to explain what the council was, what it did and when they met. The students showed a video of some of the projects that they have been working on including volunteering at the Vali 3 Theater in Monte Vista and projects they are working on in their schools.
The program was part of a requirement that had to be met through a grant received by Rio Grande County Public Health. Funding for the grant came through the Colorado Communities that Care program, which is a state-wide effort that helps focus on several topics of prevention within Colorado communities, including youth prevention and community service.
There are 12 students in the group that come from both Monte Vista and Del Norte and are working to break the impression that there is nothing to do in small towns besides get into trouble. The students work diligently with the fellow classmates and create activities for them to enjoy, like surprise concerts and pizza parties or a dream station set up in their schools where students can come write down their dreams and aspirations in life.
The current group was created last spring and spent the summer hiking, having family picnics and even hosted an art show in Monte Vista. Students spent the summer taking pictures of their communities and some of the trouble areas, like abandoned buildings, to showcase in the event. “It really turned out very cool. We are hoping to make it an annual event, but plans are not set in stone yet,” said Del Norte High School Counselor Michelle Romero.
Though the group only has 12 members, it is open to any students within Rio Grande County that wish to participate. The group has also hosted open mic nights for students to come and read their poetry or short stories.
Council members with Del Norte High School will be doing a teen day at the Sand Dunes Pool to celebrate the end of the school year and have a few projects planned for the coming summer. School Board President Neil Walters asked the council a few questions, like how often they meet and how many students participate. “All of our events have been a huge success. There has been a lot of participation from other classmates and everyone has said they like what we have been doing,” said council member Tristan Medina.
“We are very proud of what you guys are doing, and we will help in any way that we can as your school board. Keep up the good work,” said Walters. The students were met with a round of applause following their presentation.

Pictured are, in front: Chandler Mondragon and Isabela Arellano; in back: Tristan Medina, Max Garcia, Zane Palmgren, Alycia Dupont, Mayah Dominguez, Daisah Atencio and Carlee Leroux. Members not pictured include Jacob Maestas, Gina Lujan and Kaylie Metz.
Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell