Heroes In Waiting is thrilled to announce the selection of our inaugural 2023-2024 Teen Advisory Board. This talented group of students will contribute their energy and ideas to our anti-bullying and peace-building efforts by helping to make our programming the best it can be, and amplifying the Heroes In Waiting message across their communities.
In addition to imagining and advising on our free 12-lesson curriculum, school assemblies, and more, they will also act as Heroes In Waiting ambassadors, creating and sharing content across their social channels and volunteering at Heroes In Waiting events.
“It is just so encouraging to see these young leaders desiring to serve in a way that will have a long-lasting, positive impact on kids just like them,” says Heroes In Waiting executive director Jim Stewart. “And we’re excited to learn from them! They are the ones in the trenches every day on this heroic journey.”
Cadan Peters, board chair
2021 High School graduate
Edmond, Oklahoma
“Heroes In Waiting’s mission to prevent bullying deeply resonates with me. Empowering youth to create positive change and involving teens through an advisory board will amplify our voices, ideas, and insights, and foster a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.”
Ava Buchanan
Freshman, Bishop-McGuinness
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“I want to help people that are being bullied and to educate people so that they understand the damage bullying can cause, and how it can permanently affect people’s lives. We all have had different experiences in school, with friends and with our families. I think it’s very important for everyone to take other people’s opinions into consideration when trying to solve problems or come up with a plan.”
Harper Martin
Junior, Heritage Hall H.S.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“I love to make an impact on people who are having a hard time speaking up. In schools, bullying is a real issue, and I feel that if people knew how to approach it, it would make a huge impact. The topic of bullying is often avoided because it can be controversial, but having a complicated conversation can help bring light to the situation to help resolve it and prevent it from continuing.”
Cali-Kae Peters
Junior, Jones High School
Jones, Oklahoma
“I want to share my thoughts and opinions to help others and want to be a part of things that help change people and the world, in general, for the better.”
Cade Dortch
Junior, Edmond Memorial H.S.
Edmond, Oklahoma
“Joining a community like this can lead to positive changes. Some heroes are everyday people who show heroism in small but meaningful ways in their daily lives.”
Will Porter
Junior, Heritage Hall H.S.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“I want to be a part of something that helps kids who are experiencing difficulties in school. Heroes In Waiting is on a mission that will help kids and change how people look at bullying.”
Channing Peters
Freshman, Jones High School
Jones, Oklahoma
“I have learned that putting yourself in other people’s shoes can really help everyone in the situation out. When I think of a hero, I think of someone who has helped guide you through rough patches in your life that you have had trouble with.”
Grae Zedlitz
Sophomore, Casady H.S.
Jones, Oklahoma
“I want to help the community. I think it’s important that no one gets bullied, discriminated, or treated differently regardless of anything…It might sound unorthodox but heroes haven’t given up when it’s gotten bad.”