NEWBURGH, Ind. – The city of Evansville and Youth First proudly recognized Carol Lynch on Oct. 27 as the 2026 Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First. The award highlights Lynch’s 28 years of service to the nonprofit that places qualified mental‑health professionals in Indiana schools.
Founding leader and longtime board chair
Lynch helped launch Youth First and later chaired its board, advocating for the organization’s mission before state lawmakers. Youth First President and CEO Holli Sullivan said, “We are blessed to still work with our founder as we enter our 29th year, and Carol remains a dedicated advocate for our mission.”
Sullivan added that Lynch’s passion has driven the nonprofit’s growth, ensuring that students across the region can thrive.
Impact on schools and students
Today Youth First provides research‑proven programs in 138 schools across 15 counties, employing more than 100 mental‑health professionals. The organization offers free services to over 50,000 students facing social‑emotional challenges, a reach Lynch described as “beyond anything we imagined when we started.”
Mayor’s proclamation
Mayor Stephanie Terry read a proclamation naming Oct. 27, 2026 “Carol Lynch Champion of Youth First Day” in Evansville. Terry praised Lynch’s “exceptional leadership as board chair, her work on numerous committees, and her role in strengthening partnerships with schools and families.”
University of Evansville ties
Lynch, a University of Evansville graduate, was honored by university President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, who noted her 28‑year board service as “extraordinary” and highlighted the relationships she builds through her commitment. He cited her recent role chairing the 75th anniversary of Chi Omega at the university.
Pietruszkiewicz also shared Youth First’s service numbers, stating that the nonprofit now reaches 56,000 students—a dramatic increase from the first Youth First breakfast in 2018.
“Balcony people” supporting youth
Lynch describes herself as one of Youth First’s original “balcony people,” the volunteers who cheer students on from the sidelines. She said, “Our mental‑health professionals are the balcony people in schools, providing research‑proven programs, listening to concerns, teaching coping skills, and helping students see their value and bright future.”
“I count my lucky stars that I’ve been on the Youth First balcony from the very beginning,” Lynch added, calling the honor a privilege and a testament to the organization’s mission.
Looking ahead
With community leaders, educators, and elected officials rallying behind Youth First, the nonprofit is positioned to expand its reach further, continuing to address substance misuse, social‑emotional needs, and mental‑health challenges for Indiana’s youth.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
