Brad Levesque
Youth Leadership Award
On May 25, 1996, Brad Levesque passed away after battling cancer for several years. Brad spent many of his teen years in foster care, all while fighting cancer. In his determination to not let cancer be his focus, Brad committed many of his years in care to help improve the lives of other teens in foster care.
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Each year The Brad Levesque Youth Leadership Award will be given to a worthy youth or two in care who meet the criteria that Brad helped to develop…“Someone like me”, as Brad so aptly put it!
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The recipient must be a youth in care between the ages of 15 and 21 who:
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Demonstrate active volunteer capacity (i.e. community service, teen conference planning, etc.)
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Are interested in pursuing education beyond high school
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Maybe medically/physically challenged
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May have resided in group/residential programs
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May have participated in outdoor adventure programs
2019 Brad Levesque Youth Leadership Awardees
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2025
Robert Cameron
​ROBERT CAMERON
Robert Cameron, III, is a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to advocacy, peer leadership, and community engagement. A longstanding participant in YLAT, Robert has taken an active role in YLAT meetings, the annual teen conference, and the Youth Policy Summit at the Maine State House. At the Policy Summit, Robert met with legislators to advocate for youth in care, specifically championing a bill to protect children’s rights to their personal belongings during placement transitions. Robert provides a compassionate and grounded presence in YLAT spaces, and he helps to create a safe and welcoming space for his peers. Robert offers thoughtful questions, a sense of humor, and willingness to share his story on behalf of creating positive change for his peers navigating the foster care system. His quiet leadership and authenticity have made him a role model—so much so that other young people often ask if Robert will be attending an event before deciding
to participate themselves. Robert embodies the spirit of resilience, empathy, and leadership, and we are proud to recognize him for the positive impact he continues to make in YLAT and the broader community.
2025
Alivia Olson
ALIVIA OLSON
Alivia is a dedicated and engaged student, YLAT attendee, and community member. Alivia has been a member of Southern Maine YLAT for 3 years, and has attended the policy summit twice, multiple strategic sharing trainings, traveled to the NEYC conference in Massachusetts, and attended 3 YLAT teen conferences. Beyond YLAT, Alivia has attended Bryant Pond for two years. At her high school, Alivia started a knitting club and became the club’s leader. She has participated in high school track and was a cheerleader for one year. Alivia has worked as a summer camp counselor for the Windham parks and recreation department for the past 2 summers and is motivated to secure summer employment. Post high school, Alivia plans to pursue a career in the medical field. Alivia truly cherishes the experiences and opportunities YLAT has offered her and is a proud YLAT member eager to participate in a range of offerings. Alivia is a warm presence for other youth and always encourages her peers to engage and stay present in conversations and activities. She is kindhearted and open to everyone she meets and works to make new YLAT members feel welcome. Alivia is an irreplaceable member of the community!
Past Brad Levesque Award Recipients:
2024: Cave Moubarak & Mackenzie Fecteau · 2023: Rewn Herald & Christina Creedon · 2022: Alyson Mason & Josh Small · 2021: Julianna Morningstar & Genesis Edwards · 2020: Natalie Watson-Todd & Michael Brickle · 2019: Tiffani Melia & Morgan Beals · 2018: Anna Chabot & Sophia Dunton · 2017: Jason Mulvey & Gianna Gaudet · 2016: Jacob Hills & Alexander Buzzell · 2015: Tia Knowlton-Basford & Isabelle Goodrich · 2014: Chrystal Inman & Kyle Snyder · 2013: Tyneshia Wright & Stephanie Gerard · 2012: Mariah Trimble-Smith & Casey Smith · 2011: Joshua Calcia · 2010: Sylvia Little & Shannon Jacobson · 2009: Victoria “Torry” Bernard · 2008: Vanessa Bridge & Paula Burrows · 2007: Chanthy Like · 2006: Kala Clark & Ashley Keiran · 2005: Johanna Rhodes & Brystle Noble · 2004: William Lane & Roxanne Carpentier · 2003: Edward Schnopp · 2002: Crystal Castro · 2001: Maria Gordon & John Rutterford · 2000: Jennie Hinckley · 1999: Christina Irvine · 1998: Jay Dymond · 1997: Corey McLaughlin · 1996: Leticia Jacques · 1995: Wayne Johnson · 1994: Brad Levesque