By ISAAC LINFORD
The Progress
It was an evening of positive outlook and kindness to others on Wednesday, Oct. 25, as the 4H Teen Leadership Corps (TLC) and the Hope Squad groups from both Mack Lyon Middle School and Moapa Valley High School hosted a Mental Health Fair for kids and parents at the Clark County Fairgrounds.
Around 250 members of the Moapa Valley community gathered to enjoy free pizza and a performance by notable motivational speaker and musician Ryan Stream.
The event was funded by TLC. The club who raised money over recent months, relying on support from the community.
“We live in a very special place!” said TLC adult advisor Wendy Mulcock. “We have kids and families who care about our community. They know that their individual actions can have a positive influence and they are willing to serve their friends and neighbors.”
The TLC is made up of teens who want to make a difference in the community. TLC raised $10,000 in order to bring Stream to speak at two school assemblies earlier in the day; as well as the community event that evening.
The community supports TLC’s efforts by attending community barn dances and other fundraising events. People that sign in at the dances count towards grant money from the PACT Coalition, a substance abuse prevention non-profit. TLC is also supported with donations from the Rotary Club.
“I’m glad I went to the mental health fair!” said local youth Gracie Melvin. “Ryan’s music and message were so inspirational. I would definitely go to an event like this again.”
Stream was energetic and captivating for the young audience earlier in the day. By the end of the assemblies he had drawn a large group of local fans among the youngsters. Many of these kids then influenced their parents and families to attend the evening event.
First responders from Moapa Valley Fire District and the local Metro were a visible presence at the event. Fire Chief Steven Neel had a fire engine parked on one side of the Plaza Stage while Metro Sergeant Keegan Doty had a police vehicle parked on the other side – both had lights flashing on the full audience.
Stream made his entrance onto the scene a new white Corvette which he parked on the lawn alongside the stage to cheers from the audience. He climbed to the top of the fire engine and addressed the enthusiastic crowd.
“Good evening, Moapa Valley, Nevada!” he shouted into the microphone as the audience erupted.
Stream told the harrowing story of his trial-filled life. He talked about losing both of his drug-addicted parents to suicide when he was very young and about his struggles living in the foster system in his home state of Utah. Stream inspired his audience by telling them about his own recovery from drug addiction and depression and his successful struggles against suicide.
But he always had a hope to be more and to help those around him who had struggled in similar ways. Nowadays writes music, delivers motivational speeches, and has a family.
“I am on a mission to bring my message to people who need to know that they can be resilient and succeed in life, no matter what,” said Ryan Stream.
“If I can find success, any of you can,” he added. “You just have to have a dream and keep trying. You are the author of your own story!”
He also urged both youngsters and adults alike to be kind to others and to be more sensitive to the struggles of others.
“When you are interacting with another person, you never know what they have been through that morning, that week or over the past few months,” he said. “We all have difficult times. So be kind to others that may not be fitting in that well.”
Mulcock said that she was pleased with the message and the reception that it received among the local youth.
“I was able to spend time with Ryan and his media crew in-between events,” she said. “During our conversations he shared many stories of how kids and adults alike have been inspired to overcome their mental and physical trials because of his message. I hope that the same thing happens here.”
More TLC barn dances will take place on every 4th Saturday of the month beginning in January of 2024. All community members are invited to participate in these dances, which include a brief dance instruction beforehand.
