The Teen Advisory Committee (TAC), an initiative of Step Forward, aims to improve educational outcomes for students of all ages in Northwest Louisiana. Established in 2019, TAC is a regional youth-led group, and its primary purpose is to help improve local policy decision-making and programming that impacts teens and young adults in North Louisiana. Being a member of TAC provides a valuable opportunity for teens to participate in the democratic process, interact with city leaders, and impact important decisions. The membership application opens annually for Caddo Parish high school students.
On Tuesday, January 31st, TAC held its annual new member kickoff at the Community Foundation of North Louisiana. At the kickoff, new members are introduced to existing TAC members and key community stakeholders. New members are officially sworn in through a pinning ceremony. It is an exciting time for new members and their parents. We are proud to announce the new members of the Teen Advisory Committee:
- Brianna Barfield – Captain Shreve High School
- Jude Kracman – Northwood High School
- Tyron Lacy, Jr. – Caddo Virtual Academy
- Tavia Leadon- Calvary Baptist Academy
- Faith Montgomery – Caddo Magnet High School
- Maya Trutschl – Caddo Magnet High School
- Abigail Woldie – Captain Shreve High School
- Micalee Wrightson – Caddo Magnet High School
To learn more about becoming a TAC member visit cfnla.org/tac or contact Carla Burgos at [email protected].
Teen Advisory Committee’s Mental Wellness Series
Each year, TAC surveys Caddo Parish high school students to evaluate their mental health needs. The results of the survey are presented at TAC’s annual Northwest Louisiana Teen Summit on Mental Wellness. To better address the mental health needs of students, TAC has partnered with Caddo Parish Public Schools, the LA ACES Educator program, and Ochsner LSU Health to implement the Mental Health Wellness Series, focusing on building resilience and mental health awareness among teens. TAC will ensure that over 200 Caddo Parish high school students are educated on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Students attending the series will also have access to resilience-building tools. The Mental Health Wellness Series kicked off on November 17, 2022 and will run through April 2023. Students from Caddo Virtual Academy, Byrd High School, Southwood High School, Green Oaks High School, Huntington High School, and Caddo Magnet High School have participated. Students attending the Mental Health Wellness Series will learn about trauma and how it affects the brain. They will gain an understanding of how individuals and communities can build resilience that strengthens community connections.
To get your school involved, please contact Carla Burgos at [email protected]. If you know a Caddo Parish high school student who would like to attend the Mental Wellness Series, details and sign up information are below.
Saturday March, 25 | 10:00 – 1:00 PM sign up
Ochsner LSU Health – St. Mary Medical Center
911 Margaret Place, Shreveport LA, 71101
Wednesday April 5 | 10:00 – 1:00 PM sign up
Ochsner LSU Health – St. Mary Medical Center
911 Margaret Place, Shreveport LA, 71101