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Student Spotlight
Amber Leyba
By JoEllen Collins for The Weekly Sun
Amber Leyba, a junior at Wood River High School, was recognized recently by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at a banquet for September’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
As an intern with the National Alliance of Mental Illness-Wood River Valley (NAMI-WRV), Amber helped establish and facilitate the Bluebirds advocacy club. This group helps high school students overcome adversities and challenges that young people often face.
“I am excited to initiate meaningful and enjoyable activities for the Bluebirds this year,” Amber said. “We are planning a youth fest, an event that creates a welcoming space for young people and their families to have fun, find support, and learn about available local resources.”
Amber attended the national conference of NAMI in Washington, D.C., last June. She intends to use her gained experience to be an energetic and positive member of her generation, which she feels has the resources and ability to be great.
“Technology has provided wider opportunities for us if we use it wisely,” Amber said. “I believe that we all need to continue to develop a strong work ethic and increased compassion, both attributes that will assure successful results.”
Amber’s philosophy builds on the strength she has gained in her life.
“I would rather suffer a little pain in accomplishing something,” she said. “Isn’t that better than going your whole life knowing you hadn’t tried to do it?”
“Amber goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Chris Koch, mayor of Bellevue, WRHS leadership teacher and president of NAMI-WRV. “I am proud to support this determined young woman. The world would be a better place with more young people like her.”
“Amber is doing such a tremendous job working within our community,” said Angenie McCleary, Blaine County commissioner. “I am so proud that a young woman her age is so driven toward fighting stigma in the Wood River Valley.”
Due to her continued quest to help others, Amber’s ambition is to be a psychologist. Toward that goal, she is taking AP classes in psychology and language toward an education that will involve many years of college and post-graduate study.
“I have already learned a great deal about the field through hands-on learning and through the adversities of an uneasy life,” Amber said.
She spends time with her family hunting and fishing, and hanging out with her dog, Willow. Born and raised in Blackfoot, Amber’s Idaho roots are deep. She now shares time with family in Blackfoot, and lives with her aunt in Hailey.
Amber fills her life with activities to help people. She trained with the Crisis Hotline, and spends time with the animals at the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley. After school, she also enjoys the outdoors.
“I love all of the country right outside my back door and the unity of this community,” she said.