PLATTSBURGH — Community members, local school officials, and youth advocates recently gathered to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Beekmantown High School student Peyton Dominy.
The award presentation took place at Beekmantown High School with local school officials, Tobacco-Free Clinton Franklin and Essex representatives, Reality Check student members, and other community members in attendance.
Dominy was honored as the sole recipient of the prestigious Capital Region Reality Check Youth Ambassador of the Year award for her dedication to tobacco control advocacy. Peyton joined Reality Check in 2022 and has been involved in numerous community initiatives, including tobacco litter, the environment, and volunteer work. She has demonstrated leadership in training new Reality Check youth, helping to foster a sense of unity and positive change in the North Country.
“Recognizing Peyton’s leadership is critical to the progress we are making in reducing tobacco use among youth,” said AliceElizabeth Ladue, Reality Check Coordinator for Tobacco-Free Clinton Franklin Essex. “Her contributions demonstrate the power of youth activism in creating lasting change.”
The ceremony featured remarks from school officials and community members who praised her dedication.
Dominy reflected on her experience, stating, “As I have been in Reality Check for about 3 years now, I have grown so much as a person.”
Dana Isabella, Program Director for Tobacco-Free Clinton Franklin Essex, emphasized the importance of events like these in amplifying youth voices.
“Seeing Peyton being recognized reinforces the importance of her work. Her passion and commitment to this cause continue to inspire change at the local level,” Isabella nsaid.
Previously, Dominy met with policymakers, including Assemblyman Billy Jones and Senator Dan Stec, during Legislative Education Day in Albany in February, where she shared her experiences and concerns about vaping and nicotine use among youth .
Tobacco-Free Clinton Franklin Essex and Reality Check is a funded partner of the New York State Bureau of Tobacco Control brought to the North Country since 2001 by the Champlain Valley Family Center for Drug Treatment & Youth Services, Inc.
For more information about the ceremony or to schedule an interview with Peyton Dominy, please contact AliceElizabeth Ladue at 518-536-6995 or realitycheck@cvfamilycenter.org.