The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD), in collaboration with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), hosted a Community Health Project Competition for 10 students enrolled in Fairfax County’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) Evening and Weekend program on Saturday, December 13 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Students from high schools across Fairfax County presented public health projects that were judged by local health leaders and subject-matter experts from the Community Services Board, including LaVurne Williams, Lawrence Smith, Brian D. Anderson, and Donna Chittum.
Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Director of the FCHD, and Darryl Washington, Director of the CSB were present to address the students and emphasized the importance of their roles as they consider careers in public and mental health. “It’s a tough profession, “said Director Washington, “But, we change lives and we save lives.”
In reflecting curriculum topics related to the Evening and Weekend program, student projects addressed an array of real-world issues: opioid misuse, drug prevention and safe storage programs, art therapy for young children, mental health awareness programs designed for immigrant children, and “fueling minds” with good nutrition, as well as other behavioral health challenges and actionable opportunities to address them, that face our diverse communities.
Following the impressive and detailed student presentations, four were recognized to receive top prize by the judges; a complimentary week at summer camp in July of 2026 where students will participate in the 2026 Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) conference, sponsored by the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority. The winning students and their project topics were:
- Sophia Chen- Art Therapy: Naming and Noticing Feelings
- Cora Pierhoples- Support Group for New Parents
- Alice Kim- Affirmations for Self Worth: You Matter Mirrors
- Fatima Zia- Mental Health Awareness for Immigrant Children
Applications for the Youth Ambassadors Spring 2026 cohort are open now; learn more about the PHYAP evening and weekend program.