Local High School Student Named New York State Youth Ambassador of the Year

YAYA is awarded annually to young activists who are leading the way to the first tobacco-free generation

BINGHAMTON, NY- Trischell Goodwin, a Johnson City sophomore, has been named the 2024 New York State Ambassador of the Year (YAYA). The award, sponsored by Reality Check of New York State, honors the outstanding work of young people who have taken the lead in holding tobacco companies accountable for marketing to youth. These young activists are fighting to protect their peers and communities from the dangers of tobacco use through public education efforts, peer-to-peer training, and outreach to policymakers.

Goodwin has been an active member of Reality Check since 2020 and has provided a vital youth perspective on the impact of tobacco marketing on young people on issues ranging from the youth appeal of flavored tobacco products to the importance of smoke-free spaces and secondhand smoke exposure in multi-unit housing. Her education efforts contributed to an ongoing effort to reduce the amount of illegal flavored vaping products throughout communities in Broome County. Goodwin has been featured in the local podcast "The Otherside" hosted by WSKG to highlight the youth perspective on vaping and local solutions to end youth nicotine addiction, as well as attended many community events to educate citizens on the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry.

"Trischell's genuine concern for the health and well-being of her family, peers, and community drives her to go above and beyond in spreading the Reality Check program's message," said Becky Gelunas, Reality Check Coordinator.

Goodwin will be honored by state legislators for the official Youth Ambassador of the Year award ceremony on February 12^th at 1:00 in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

Tobacco Free Broome & Tioga and Reality Check are funded partners of the New York State Bureau of Tobacco Control. The Bureau of Tobacco Control implements evidence-based and promising strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use and envisions a tobacco-free society for all New Yorkers. For more information, visit www.tobaccofreenys.com