Member Highlights

Eliyah Ochoa - UC CPAW Member

Hey there! I'm Eliyah Ochoa, a 17-year-old junior at Union County High School. I'm all about getting involved and making a difference in my community. I absolutely love the UCCPAW environment as well as substance abuse prevention among teens. I'm the President of DECA and TSA, and I also play roles in the BETA Club, Interact Club, Key Club, CCA School Board, and Spanish Club. 

But what really stands out for me is my involvement with UCCPAW. It's been an amazing experience where I feel valued and appreciated. It is singular in the way the coalition values students’ opinions and  action in the community. Recently, I got to do a wonderful environmental scan with other high schoolers, analyzing local gas stations' selling habits regarding vapes and alcohol. It's hands-on work that makes a real impact on our community and high school students. I am so proud to be a part of the UCCPAW and I’m excited for the years to come!                                        May 24

Collin Ng - Mentor

 I wanted to become a mentor because I wanted to learn more. I didn't have much experience with kids and I was always curious why parents loved their kids so much. I found, through mentoring Wylder, that kids can be a spark of joy in the hardest of times.  I hope that I can help Wylder open up and have a great time in school. 


UCHS Senior, 

Collin Ng                                            May 24

Matthew McClure - UCCPAW Member

I am currently a sophomore in high school. I am very involved with extracurricular activities. I am in HOSA, Beta, Appalachian Wellness Harm Reduction and Coalition, Student Council, and FFA. I work at Union General Hospital as a Rehab Tech at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and I am also a youth leader at Liberty Baptist Church. The reason I joined UCCPAW is to make underage students that vape, drink, use tobacco products , and anything else of that nature aware of how dangerous those products are and how they affect your body poorly.  

                                                                           Feb 24

Richard Hoibraten - Mentor   

I am Rev Richard Hoibraten, and my career path varied from the Navy active and reserve for 26 year's and employed in facilities engineering for twenty seven years and a Pastor third career since 2007.

   I have been mentoring for five years and have three young people 13,15,and 16,whom I am very grateful to share time and understanding with as they grow up. 

    We, as citizens are needed to be there for each of these boys. 

                                                                                                                                Feb 24

Karen Cassity - UC CPAW Member

My name is Karen Cassity. My family and I moved to the area 2 years ago to be closer to my extended family. I'm a devoted wife of almost 30 years to my wonderful husband, Dan, and a blessed mom of three.


Last year, I decided to attend a UCCPAW meeting after learning about it at Family Connections. I decided to join because of the meaningful impact the coalition is having in our community. I'm excited to learn about how they are educating students and their families about the dangers of underage vaping and drinking. This was especially important to me since I have a child attending middle school here. 


I strongly believe the best way to make a difference in either your community or even your own family is to be engaged and involved in what's happening.