Jasmine Castillo has been an active leader in the Friday Night Live Chapter on the Edison High School campus for the past three years. As a leader, Castillo has been involved in underage drinking prevention work designed to reduce student alcohol use and abuse by changing negative norms, Distracted Driving campaigns which aim to have all drivers pledge to not drive distracted, and a “Healthy Snack Shack” initiative which promoted adding healthy food options to Snack Bar menus. On Thursday, March 22, 2012, Castillo spoke before Fresno City Council against allowing a store (near her High School) to increase their liquor license from a type 20 ABC license (beer and wine) to a type 21 license (beer, wine, and distilled spirits). Her speech was influential in the decision to deny of the license upgrade.
“I am very appreciative of YLI because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have the ability to speak publicly and wouldn’t be as responsible as I am now. They are wonderful people and I hope that they will allow me to continue my work with them,” says Castillo.
Jasmine consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is always the first to volunteer, the first to arrive, and the last to leave. She is extremely skilled in the area of encouragement. Jasmine knows exactly what to say to motivate others around her to become better leaders. She is committed not only to Youth Leadership Institute, but to Californians For Justice, the Youth Services Council and her school Multi-Cultural Club as well. One major accomplishment I am proud to mention is that Jasmine has been able to maintain a 3.54 GPA and still remain dedicated to all that she does. It is because of this that Castillo was selected to receive Assemblymember Henry T. Perea’s 2012 Women of the Year Award. The award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. Castillo is the only youth to receive this honor.
Castillo was nominated for the award by YLI staff member, Andrea Smith. “Jasmine is one of the hardest working young women I know,” says Smith. “She has a sweet spirit and a personality that draws you in. She is always willing to assist when needed and has a strong yearning to be successful in life. I have no doubt that Jasmine will accomplish all of the goals she has set for herself. She is destined for greatness.”