Congratulations to this year’s Herren Project high school scholarship winners! These winners exemplified Herren Project’s mission through leadership in their communities, finding ways to bring awareness of the disease of addiction and modeling why it’s important to focus on overall wellness to prevent substance misuse. We received a historic number of submissions from across the country by many well-deserving applicants. It’s awe-inspiring to see so many students committed to making an impact in their communities!
“Emma is committed to keeping a drug-free lifestyle and helping others do the same. In addition to being part of Herren Project, she also independently took the opportunity to take part in Youth Driven Program. This program is a student-against-drug program which is run through the state of Rhode Island. This past summer, Youth Driven had a one week summit, where Emma was a student leader. As a student leader, she led twelve of her peers, throughout the week.” – Sean Reilly
Emma
From: Providence Country Day School, RI
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: $500
Essay Submission:
“It’s going to be okay. She is going to get the help she needs and hopefully she gets better”, said my mom as I got into the car. Sitting in the front seat was my mom and aunt. What are they talking about? Who is leaving to get help?
You never learn about the effect addiction can have on a family. One day we were all happy and laughing and the next my oldest cousin, someone who I’ve looked up to since I was a little girl, was going into rehab. Over that next month, my mind was racing. I needed to find a way to advocate for those who could not do it for themselves. I wanted to make a change for the millions of people in the United States who struggle with addiction.
I joined my school’s Above the Influence club during my sophomore year. We strived to keep our school substance-free and encourage people to work on improving their mental health. Following this, I decided to join the Herren Project as a national youth ambassador and serve as the secretary for the executive board.
During my junior year, I moved to my now current school. There was no Herren Project club at school, but my sister and I wanted to change that. Together, we founded the Herren Project Club on campus. We worked to gain members while advocating for mental health and living a healthy life.
Additionally, I attended a summit, Youth Driven, where I learned about the impact of drunk driving. After hearing the heartbreaking stories from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, I gained more of an understanding of just how important it is for people to drive sober to keep others safe. Working alongside the Herren Project and Youth Driven, I have strived to keep peers at my school and my community informed about the dangers of driving under the influence.
Finally, I am working to write written testimony as part of my Passion Project for my final year serving as a Youth Ambassador. I am writing a testimony in support of Rhode Island Senate Bill 2066 which appropriates money for the creation of a suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline within the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities, and hospitals. With this bill, people suffering from mental health challenges will be given access to help before it is too late.
Because of the Herren Project, I have a much better understanding of how hard addiction can be for people and their families suffering from these challenges. Being someone people feel comfortable coming and talking to whenever they need a friend is something I will never take for granted.
Substance abuse is a topic that needs to be talked about. By being an advocate, I have developed an understanding of how various substances impact people from different demographics. I never would have imagined that the opioid epidemic would affect my own family, but it hit extremely close to home. I am passionate about advocating for change. Though the opioid epidemic is a challenging path to navigate, people can help. Sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference in another’s life, and I strive to be that person every day
“Omar Reyes is the kind of student who stands out for his maturity, integrity, and focus. He joined my IB Literature class a few weeks into the semester, transferring from a class that was easier, because he wanted the chance to develop his writing and critical analysis skills. From the first, he put forth the highest level of effort, working ahead of schedule on papers so he could consult with me to ensure that he was writing at a high standard. I have been impressed both with his ability to work at a high standard independently and to work cooperatively in small group projects.”- Patricia McFarlin, Ph.D.
Omar
From: The Awty International School, TX
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: $500
Essay Submission:
My journey embodying the Herren Project’s mission began with a simple idea – that students themselves can be catalysts for positive change in their communities. Through leading Houston’s Mayor’s Youth Council and Youth Police Advisory Council, I strive to amplify youth voices to drive meaningful improvements in mental health, substance abuse prevention, and community well-being.
My passion for uplifting young people was sparked when I joined the Mayor’s Youth Council in 10th grade. As a member, I had the opportunity to promote better mental health resources and awareness among Houston youth. We worked closely with mental health professionals to reduce stigma around seeking help, while advocating for more school counseling services and teen crisis support from the city. I was also involved in substance abuse prevention efforts, volunteering with local non-profits and educating students about the dangers of underage drinking and illicit drug use. We focused on providing teens with healthy alternatives for managing stress, as well as resources to get help for themselves or friends suffering from addiction. My goal was to empower youth to make safe, informed choices.
Additionally, I volunteered with the Youth Police Advisory Council to strengthen ties between law enforcement and our community. I coordinated immersive station tours for students to demystify police work and facilitate mutual understanding. We also discussed ways to implement sensitivity training for officers to avoid discrimination and approach all groups with respect. My most formative experience was organizing a Youth Town Hall with Houston’s Mayor, Police Chief, and City Council members. Students voiced concerns about issues such as mental health services, neighborhood safety, and homelessness support. Officials gained insights from youth directly impacted by these problems. The event created momentum for policies like expanded community programs and a 24-hour mental health crisis center.
Through it all, my greatest teacher has been listening to peers’ stories and experiences. This further reveals where change is needed and how youth can get involved. I’ve learned progress stems from opening minds, building bridges, and sharing lived experiences to transform blind spots into understanding. My journey is just beginning, but the Herren Project’s mission will guide me in constantly striving to uplift others. In college, I plan to study social work while expanding my mentoring and enrichment initiatives for teens. After graduating, I aim to develop youth programs emphasizing mental health, addiction support, education, and community connectivity. With passion, empathy, and tireless effort, I believe in youth’s power to drive social progress. By investing in youth leadership, together we will build a future where all have the opportunity and support to thrive
“As a person, Brady is an individual of high moral character with a warm, engaging personality. He is well-respected and absolutely LOVED by peers and faculty alike. He was instrumental in helping me with our startup as an active Herren Project Club. In March of 2022, we were fortunate enough to have Chris Herren visit our school and speak to our students. When I was asked to choose someone to interview Mr. Herren after the assembly, it was an easy decision for me to select Brady. Without question, Brady truly embraces the club’s positive message to be true to oneself, while supporting others. He is the embodiment of Herren Project’s “Be You” motto!! Brady is very confident in himself, while also a fierce advocate for those who struggle and need help.” – Rose Austin
Brady Eagan
From: Mills E. Goodwin High School, VA
INSPIRE AWARD: $250
Essay Submission:
Since my sophomore year, The Herren Project has been a significant part of my life. My journey with the organization began when my former teacher Mrs. Austin opened a chapter of The Herren Project Club at my school. I joined because I appreciated its message, and I wanted to see what I could do for the club. My teacher wanted us to raise enough money for Chris to come speak at our school. So, we started fundraising, and not only did we succeed in getting our assembly with him, we also participated in numerous positive and mindful activities in club meetings throughout the year. I had become very involved, and when the assembly ended, two students were going to be able to conduct a private interview with Chris Herren. I was honored that Mrs. Austin chose me as one of the students, and that time spent talking with Chris, and seeing our video up on the Herren Project channel brought me further into the organization. Later that year, Mrs. Austin nominated me to apply to be a Youth Ambassador for the next school year, and I gladly did. I got the role, so during my junior year I was meeting and working with the other fourteen Youth Ambassadors across the country, educating myself further on topics like teen mental health first aid, and learning how to use this information to help our communities.
After the school year ended, I was eager to return to the program for another year. However, I didn’t want to repeat what I’d already done; instead, I wanted to expand on my work with the organization. So, I applied to be President of the Youth Ambassador Executive Board. Again I was awarded the role, and the first four months of my senior year have been spent leading meetings with the Youth Ambassadors, and helping to create the agendas for what we want to learn and discuss as a group. However, despite enjoying my time as a Youth Ambassador, that time was cut short when Natalie, the Youth Engagement Specialist, stepped down. I was asked to fill her spot, and after everything I’d been through with the organization, I gratefully accepted, and now I am able to work with many more like-minded individuals who want the best for the people in their communities. By far my favorite part of my time with the organization has been the connections I’ve made with both the other Youth Ambassadors, and with Herren Project
staff. The Youth Ambassadors have been through thick and thin together, whether it be Canada wildfires or college decisions, and it has been very formative and rewarding being able to communicate with the empathetic, caring adults within the organization. I’ve seen firsthand what
addiction can do to someone, and if there’s even the smallest chance that the work I’m doing with The Herren Project is helping someone live a healthier, happier life, I will gladly continue. I’m passionate about what we stand for, and I cannot wait to see this all leads me. I do a lot of work for the organization, but I’ve come to realize that although I first joined to see what I could do for The Herren Project, what convinced me to stay was what it has done for me.
