On Friday, February 6, 2026, members of the IHS Green Bandana Project attended the NAMI Youth Mental Health Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. This conference is one of the only conferences in the country specializing in children, adolescents, and transition-age youth. Prior to the conference, students had an opportunity to submit an essay to the Youth Mental Health Leadership Award Essay Contest. This award recognizes the passion and courage of young leaders who are committed to fighting the stigma of mental health conditions, providing a safe community for peers to share their own mental health experiences, and empowering peers through education. We are pleased to announce that IHS senior Anna Carnovale was the 2026 Youth Mental Heath Leadership Award recipient. Anna was presented with her award, along side a $1,000 prize, during the luncheon portion of the conference. The IHS Green Bandana Project would like to thank the Indiana Area Education Foundation and the United Way for making their attendance at this conference possible.