Youth Volunteer: Meryssa Waite

SPONSORED BY FINNERON HYUNDAI

Meryssa Waite is a Vanier Secondary student who gives to her school, peers and community each day, striving to find ways to make the Valley a better place.
The Grade 12 student is involved with the Comox Valley Youth Peer Support group, which aims to spread awareness and reduce stigma around mental health and substance use.
Meryssa has conducted presentations in school and community settings, and provided one-on-one mentorship to elementary-aged children.
She was introduced to the group by her “phenomenal school counsellor,” Heather Riedle, in November 2015. “I became involved with this group so I could help youth in my community, while exploring my own passion for mental health,” Meryssa said. “The stigma around mental health and substance use is what motivated me to speak up and take initiative within my community.”
Recently, Meryssa helped organize a wellness event for 260 Grade 9 students. In addition to volunteering dozens of hours for weeks leading up to the event, she also co-facilitated three student workshops.
On her own initiative, Meryssa started a Jack.org chapter at Vanier, leading various events at the school, including a ‘puppy day’ to help alleviate stress during exam week.
“Jack.org chapters are peer-led clubs powered by the goal of ending the silence around youth mental health,” Meryssa said. “Vanier’s chapter has been working on normalizing mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting resources. Last September we identified the mental health barriers we found prevalent at our school. Since then, we’ve organized numerous initiatives to break down those barriers. I am so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with Jack.org.”
She is also grateful for being recognized as a Local Hero.
“I am beyond flattered and thankful that I have been considered for such an admirable award.”