LAKE HAVASU — There’s one Lake Havasu native who is on a mission to enhance the lives of the teenagers our community. As a teenager growing up in the touristy beach town, Tyanna Wilson noticed the limited activities specifically of interest to local teens.
As she reached adulthood, Wilson became a cheerleading teacher at Lake Havasu High School. As a coach there for many years, she noticed that the events teens could attend in Havasu were still lacking.
Aside from the traditional after school programs provided by most schools such as sports, drama clubs, and band practice, Wilson witnessed that outside of recreational school activities, there was not much else.
Other traits Wilson noticed amongst high schoolers was the shortfalls of knowledge for basic daily skills such as changing a light, bulb or even replacing a button on a shirt. These just of some the core capabilities absent from many of the teens Wilson learned about through various conversations.
In 2022, Wilson decided to create the nonprofit Legacy Youth Center. A space where adolescents could thrive together with available resources for mental health, mentorship, belonging, and creative projects. Next month, the group will return with their fathers day gifting art workshop.
A craft class where high schoolers can create presents for their fathers. Last year candy filled gnomes were made and with the class being such a success, this will likely be the theme of this June’s Father’s Day session.
According to Wilson, the Lake Havasu community has been surprisingly supportive of her efforts. Next month Legacy Youth will host a two part series baking classes for teenagers with local cake art bakery, Kreations by Kendra. The second part of the series will be all about stepping up your crafts to the next level.
“The community has been really amazing with us. Some are willing to host free workshops while sharing their talents. The smiles I’ve seen on the kid’s faces during the events is really what makes it all worth it,” Wilson said.
You can learn more about Legacy Youth Center’s teen outreach programs by visiting Legacy Youth Center – Create a Legacy, Leave a Legacy.
Legacy Youth Center’s Baking Basics with Kendra for beginners will be on Sunday June 8 from 1pm to 1:30pm. Just a few days later, their father’s day workshop will be on Wednesday June 11 from 5pm to 7pm.
On Sunday June 22, students can return for baking part two beginning at 1pm. All workshops are free and scheduled to take place at Nomadic co-working space.
With their catch phrase being “Create a Legacy Leave a Legacy,” the nonprofit hopes to continue to provide support and positive emotional growth for Lake Havasu teens for future generations to come.
