Jennifer Louis, a Youth of the Year candidate from the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, spoke recently about the problems and pressures teenagers can experience and told her personal story of overcoming low self-esteem.

“It’s an honor to be a positive example for other youth in our community,” she said.

Her speech came during the 13th annual Earth Day festivities at the Oxbow Center, 5400 St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie.

The Earth Day Festival, a celebration of nature and community with a theme of “Live Green and Prosper,” included exhibits, food trucks and presentations of local talent.