Wellness Wednesday: Community

Before there was CROWN of Health, or even Paris’s Pals, there was just me, sitting in a classroom with a big idea and no one else to back it. I tried starting a health club at my high school with our lead pediatrician, but one by one, the other students dropped out. Eventually, it failed.

But the vision? That stayed with me.

A few months later, my principal pulled me out of class and introduced me to someone who would change everything, Ms. Charis Scurry, the Baptist Health Community Partnership Coordinator. She saw what I was trying to build and helped me see it, too. Together with six other students, we launched Get R.A.W. (Ribault Access & Wellness), a health advocacy club dedicated to serving our school and surrounding community.

As one of the founding members and later president, I helped organize health fairs, back-to-school drives, and Get RAW Chats, peer-led conversations around everything from hygiene to chronic illness prevention. We hosted annual open houses with our school superintendent, local leaders, and healthcare professionals. We also helped hundreds of students access free sports physicals, a real solution for families facing real barriers.

The Moment That Opened Everything Up

During my junior year, Mrs. Scurry forwarded me an application to a program called Be the Change, a national youth training hosted by the School-Based Health Alliance. I wrote the essay quickly, not knowing it would lead to something unforgettable.

A few weeks later, I was awarded a full scholarship from Wolfson Children’s Hospital to attend the training in Washington, D.C. with flights, hotel, conference fees, and even my mom’s travel were fully covered.

At Be the Change, I met other student leaders from across the country who were just as passionate about health care as I was. We discussed education policy, led workshops, and learned how to advocate at the national level. It wasn’t just a conference, it was a catalyst.

One of the most memorable parts? Meeting with Senator Marco Rubio’s staff on Capitol Hill to advocate for H.R. 2075, the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act. It wasn’t just a cool experience, it was the first time I saw how my voice could make a difference outside of my zip code.

That moment shifted something in me, and it’s been a part of my purpose ever since.

Why It Matters

Community engagement is more than volunteer hours, it’s knowing your community, understanding their needs, and creating solutions with them, not for them.

Through Get RAW, I learned that preventative care doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be a free physical. A flyer. A conversation. An open door. And when students lead the charge, the work becomes even more impactful, because it’s coming from people who live the experiences they’re trying to change.

How CROWN Is Taking Action

Today, CROWN of Health carries the same mission I had in high school, but with more structure, a wider reach, and a clearer voice. It’s rooted in youth-led advocacy, service, and sustainability. Whether I’m hosting a wellness event, leading a reading tour, or collaborating with clinics and nonprofits, that same energy from Get RAW and Be the Change is still fueling me.

And now, I’m ready to pass that energy on.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a student, teacher, parent, or advocate—there’s a place for you here.

• DM me “CROWN” to get on our email list for events, volunteer opportunities, and research studies.

• Want to bring The Not-So-Perfect Garden Project to your school or community space? Let’s make it happen.

• Or just follow along every Wednesday and share these posts to help spread the word.

Together, we’re planting seeds for a healthier Florida—one post, one story, and one crown at a time. 👑💚