National Mental Health Youth Council

Padua Academy sophomore Ava Tindall has been selected to serve on the 2026 National Mental Health Youth Council for Creative Visions, joining a group of student leaders from across the country who are working to promote mental health awareness through creativity and peer leadership.

Ava is one of 17 students nationwide chosen for the council as part of Creative Visions’ #CreateConnectCare campaign, an initiative that empowers young people to harness storytelling and artistic expression to support mental health and well-being.

As a member of the Youth Council, Ava will help guide the direction of the campaign, champion youth voices, and inspire participation among her peers by encouraging at least 50 students to submit creative works that explore themes of mental health and self-expression. To support these efforts, council members receive resources, mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and a $250 micro-grant to fund community impact projects.

Creative Visions launched the #CreateConnectCare initiative in 2023 to address the growing youth mental health crisis. Through mediums such as art, music, writing, and film, the campaign aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and encourage young people to build connections and support one another. In the program’s first two years, nearly 4,000 young people in 37 countries have participated by sharing their creative expressions.

At Padua Academy, Ava is actively involved in HOSA, Bring Change 2 Mind, Students in Action, and Cross Country. Her passion for mental health advocacy is reflected in her work with the Bring Change 2 Mind club and her commitment to helping fellow students find meaningful ways to express themselves.

“This cause is important to me because I think it is important for people to recognize how important mental health is,” Ava said. “The CreateConnectCare challenge provides youth the opportunity to express themselves in any creative way. Though I may not be as involved with the arts at Padua, I think it’s important to express yourself in any way you can to support mental health.”

Through her role on the Youth Council, Ava will lead efforts to encourage her peers to participate in the #CreateConnectCare creative challenge, which invites students to submit artwork and other creative projects that explore mental health themes.

Padua Academy congratulates Ava on this national recognition and looks forward to seeing the impact she will make in promoting mental health awareness within the Padua community and beyond.