STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE ~
MEET THE 2005- 2006 NATIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD (YAB) MEMBERS

Heather Hernandez
School: Poway High School, CA
Advisor: Rebecca Hernandez
Grade: Senior
Title: Chair

Heather Hernandez is a senior at Poway High School. This year will be Hernandez's fourth year involved with SAVE and third year on the YAB. Hernandez is very interested in increasing community service projects through SAVE because she believes that if students find a positive activity to become involved in, they will have a positive impact on others and will be less likely to be involved in violence.

Through her work with SAVE, Hernandez hopes to show youth that they are powerful, and encourage them to make good choices. Hernandez says, "I believe that students can help prevent violence by listening to what others have to say and getting them involved in community service and campus activities."

Heather has held various leadership roles in her school and community, including four year's as the Associated Student Body Vice President, Student Council, a member of Peer Counseling, First Priority, and Section Leader in the Women's Ensamble at Poway High. Heather is an active volunteer not only with SAVE, but also with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and her Church Youth Group. She was selected as a Scholar for the United States Achievement Academy and has received the President's Service Award. On her free time she loves to spend the day at the beach soaking up the sun and relaxing with her friends. Heather is looking forward to this year's YAB and is excited to be the Chair of the board. Hernandez says "We have some great people on the board and I know it will be an exciting year".

Michael Register
School: Farmville Central High School, NC
Advisor: Deputy Coburn
Grade: Sophomore
Title: Vice-Chair

Michael Register is a sophomore at Farmville Central High School. This is his fifth year in SAVE and he has held the position of Vice President for his chapter. He first got interested in SAVE in the sixth grade when he kept seeing a great deal of violence and drug use at his school. Once Michael joined SAVE he saw a big difference in his attitude toward peers and teachers. Michael saw ways to help his peers with their problems and conflicts. As he progressed in school he saw more opportunities to help others in SAVE and in the community. He took an active role in service to his school and community by assisting the elderly and people in need.

As a National Youth Advisory Board Vice Chair, Michael wants to spread the word about SAVE and the positive effects that it can have on a community and youth. On a daily basis in middle school, Michael would have students stop him in the hall and ask him about SAVE and how to join. That was very empowering and encouraging to Michael in his efforts to prevent violence and so, he wants to spread the word on how SAVE makes a difference in a school. "I am truly glad that SAVE is in the school because peer pressure is really tough and I know from personal experiences I have had. SAVE has really turned me around in school and got me on the right path and showed me how to say no and use peer mediation to talk out our conflicts and not turn to violence to solve problems. It has also taught my little brother not to get so mad and sit down with a teacher or parent and talk about the problems at school instead of being violent."

Michael is involved in various activities and programs including Teen Court, soccer, and is on the honor roll. He has been accepted into the AVID program and the Health and Science Academy. For performing more than 300 service hours in his school and community through SAVE, Michael received the Presidential Service Award in 2006. Read more

Darius Bush
School: Highland School of Technology, NC
Advisor: Ami Parker
Grade: Senior

Darius Bush is a senior at Highland School of Technology. This year will be Darius' third year of involvement with SAVE and his second year on the National Youth Advisory Board (YAB). Darius is really excited about the things that will be accomplished this year. Darius is on the SAVE Step Team at Highland for a third year where the team shows non-violence through stepping.

Darius is interested in leading by example. He promotes non-violence during his participation in extra-curricular activities. He realizes that one problem with youth and violence is having too much free time because unstructured time can lead to problems. Young people need some structure, yet interesting activities that will increase mental growth and responsibility.

Darius is actively involved in his church and is a member of the Aries yearbook staff for his fourth year. For performing more than 300 service hours in his school and community through SAVE, Darius received the Presidential Service Award in 2006.

Christian Gonzalez
School: Montbello High School, CO
Advisor: Kris Bethscheider
Grade: Junior

Christian Gonzalez is a junior at Montbello High School. This is her second year being involved in SAVE and her first year as a member of the Youth Board. She is also the current President of her SAVE Chapter. Christian says, "SAVE made me realize that students have a huge say in what goes on in school, home and our community. We the students have the power to prevent violence."

Christian has been in JROTC for three years, is in the Honor Platoon Drill Team, Women's Rifle Team, and is the Battalion Operations and Training Officer for her school. She is a member of the Montbello Chapter of the National Honor Society is also involved with Get Real!/Red Cross, Foundations for Excellent Schools, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Colorado, Metro Summer Science Scholars and ACES Scholars Program.

Christian plans to study psychology, law and film when she graduates from high school.

Rafael Grillo
School: Paisley I.B. Magnet School High School, NC
Grade: Freshman

Rafael Grillo is a freshman at Paisley I.B. Magnet School High School and has been involved in SAVE since the 7th grade and this is his first year on the SAVE Youth Board. He has been extremely active in his chapter's activities and has been instrumental in fundraisers.

Rafael is an active member of the Boy Scouts and has been the recipient of the Arrow of Light Award and a nominee for Senior Patrol Leader. He is also active in scholastic academic groups such as the National Academic League, in which his team won first place in the county. Raphael received the President's Award for academic excellence and was nominated for the Patriot Award, for, commitment and perseverance.

Being a part of SAVE has been a fulfilling part of Rafael's life. He "believes students can prevent violence by looking for alternate, more peaceful solutions, and not being violent themselves. They should also speak out against any abusive or violent act, for silence is conformity." Rafael is looking forward to his work with the Youth Advisory Board this year.

Marissa Shapiro
School: Syosset High School, NY
Advisor: Stephanie Turano
Grade: Senior

Marissa Shapiro is a senior at Syosset High School. This is Marissa's third year in SAVE and presently she is on her SAVE Chapter's Executive Board. This is her first year on the SAVE Youth Advisory Board. Marissa says "I think the best thing we can do to stop violence is to educate students and others. I believe that all students should be held to high standards and serve as role models to each other."

Marissa's goal is to increase non-violence on the high school as well as global level. To this end, she coordinated a very successful school wide event featuring a speaker from Sudan, in an effort to raise awareness of global issues. Marissa has seen the positive effects of SAVE in her school community and hopes to spread SAVE's message in her area.

Marissa has been selected to be part of the Peers as Leaders program at her school and has served as President of the Book Club and Young Women's Forum and has been selected for the French Honor Society. Twice during the last school year, Marissa was chosen for the Syosset High School "Wall of Pride" recognition award as a student exhibiting dignity and empathy. She also plays badminton and volleyball, enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting Manhattan and loves to travel. She is very excited to be a part of the SAVE Youth Advisory Board and looks forward to continuing to spread the message of SAVE.

For Further Information:
If you are interested in serving on the National SAVE Youth Advisory Board you can call the National Association of SAVE at (919) 661-7800 or 866-343-SAVE.

National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere SAVE: Youth Voices... Grown-Up Choices! Toll Free 866-343-SAVE For more information contact cwray@nationalsave.org   /   Copyright 2007