Gnadenhutten, Ohio - Indian Valley senior Vanessa Sanders has been appointed to serve as a Teen Ambassador for Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Teen Ambassador Board consists of students from public, private, home, and charter schools throughout Ohio. Board members serve a one-year term and have the opportunity to meet with Attorney General DeWine and visit his Columbus office. Teen Ambassadors attend events around the state throughout the year to learn about important issues facing Ohio and its families and hear from public officials and staff members.

In the past, students have met with members of the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio legislature and discussed the opioid epidemic Ohio is facing. They have also taken part presentations on professionalism in the workplace and discussed how to
recognize Human Trafficking.

Indian Valley School Counselor Keeley Coachman says she nominated Vanessa because of her gifts in leadership and public speaking.

Coachman says she witnessed Vanessa emerge as a leader, in part, due to her participation in the I Believe program. The program provides opportunities for Appalachian youth to develop 21st Century Skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving with the goal of increasing collegiate attendance and retention in the Appalachian communities of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Vanessa has been an active Indian Valley participant in the program since her sophomore year and also participates in Student Council, Drama Club, and National Honor Society and was selected as a delegate for Girls State this summer.

Vanessa is the daughter of Melissa Campbell and Gale Sanders of Port Washington.