As a recent high school graduate and 2024 Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Award honoree, Ashley Coulson has been a dedicated volunteer in Y Street, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth‘s youth-led statewide initiative, where she served 115 service hours in the past year. She helped lead the program’s Share the Air campaign, working towards tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free parks, playgrounds, beaches, and trails across the Commonwealth. Her service included organizing booths at community events, gauging Virginians’ attitudes toward tobacco-free outdoor policies, and meeting with elected officials and community leaders. Ashley also served on the Y Street Leadership Team for three consecutive terms and held a one-year term as Secretary on the Y Street Executive Board.

Having grown up in a family of six, her dedication is fueled by her love for her family, friends, and the community she now calls home. When Ashley moved to Woodstock, Virginia, she faced the unease that often comes with change. Instead of letting this hold her back, Ashley dove in. Through her participation in Y Street, Ashley experienced a significant expansion of her comfort zone, improving her advocacy, leadership, and public speaking skills while evolving into a more resilient version of herself.

In addition, Ashley was also active in school, including more than a decade of Dance, Drama Club, and the student-led acapella group, among other activities. She also served on Student Council as social media coordinator and helped organize events including Homecoming, blood drives, fundraisers for charities, and Spirit Week. In all of her service, Ashley has demonstrated commitment, perseverance, grace, and tenacity.