Congratulations to PHS Class of ‘23 graduate, Rylee Lueken, who was awarded the Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award from the University of Iowa’s Scanlan Center for School Mental Health for her work while she was a student at Prairie High School.  Rylee was nominated by PHS counselor, Angela Amunson, for her advocacy of student and community mental health through her involvement in the Green Bandana Project and various other efforts and events.

Rylee received this award during the opening ceremony of the Iowa Best Summit being held on October 5 and 6.  Over 1600 participants gather annually at this event to network with others who are invested in improving the mental health of our students, families, and community, including several Prairie educators who are pictured here with Rylee.  

According to the Scanlan Center, “This award honors a visionary youth leader who lends their voice and talents to advancing mental health awareness and initiatives. This student’s efforts have influenced decision-makers or policymakers to expand mental health support within their school, district, region, or state. To qualify for this award, nominees must be enrolled in one of Iowa’s PreK-12 schools during the 2022-23 school year.”