My name is Braden Mensack. I’m a Junior at Keys High School. I started YAHL this year as I believe that tobacco laws need to be changed to keep our schools and local minors safe. I also believed that it would be a great learning experience and help me in my future endeavors.

A partner presentation is when a group of YAHL members get together and make a presentation that is given to a group of people. Me and my friends Cooper and Lacey recently did a presentation at the Tahlequah Armory for the Cherokee County Healthy Living Coalition. In our presentation, we discussed how tobacco is harmful and why Youth Purchase, Use or Possession (PUP) laws need to be repealed to protect our local minors and schools. Our presentation was put together in a PowerPoint slide style. After the presentation, I felt accomplished; like I had made a difference in my community.

From this experience, I not only strengthened my speaking skills, but also furthered my understanding of tobacco and the laws that need to be put in place. The partner presentation hopefully prompted change in our community. This change will hopefully have a ripple effect throughout the entire state.