LAS VEGAS - s4story -- The Avery Burton Foundation (ABF) brought together educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, students, and advocates Friday to celebrate five scholarship recipients and officially launch the Mental Health Champion Academy, a new community initiative designed to equip everyday people with the confidence to support someone experiencing a mental health challenge.

Held at the West Las Vegas Library during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the event, Building a Community of Mental Health Champions, recognized student achievement while introducing ABF's practical framework built around three simple actions:

Recognize. Respond. Refer.

"Our goal is simple," said Reggie Burton, Founder of the Avery Burton Foundation. "We want to build communities where more people know how to recognize someone who may be struggling, respond with compassion, and connect them to the help they need. One trusted conversation can change a life."

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Five Southern Nevada students received Avery Burton Foundation scholarships recognizing leadership, resilience, and service to their communities.

The Foundation also honored the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation as its 2026 Mental Health Champion Corporate Partner of the Year for its ongoing commitment to community mental health initiatives. ABF also recognized Amani Burton as its 2026 Volunteer of the Year for his leadership and service to the Foundation.

The event featured community leaders from education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and public service, highlighting a growing coalition committed to strengthening mental health awareness throughout Southern Nevada.

The newly launched Mental Health Champion Academy will expand the Foundation's work beyond a single event by providing education, resources, and future training opportunities for schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.

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"The Academy represents our next chapter," Burton said. "Awareness is important, but awareness alone isn't enough. Communities become stronger when people know what to do."

The Academy reflects the Foundation's long-term vision of creating communities where conversations about mental health are met with understanding, trust, and action rather than stigma.

About the Avery Burton Foundation

The Avery Burton Foundation is a Nevada nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health awareness through education, scholarships, community partnerships, and Mental Health First Aid training. Inspired by the life of Avery Burton, the Foundation works to build communities where every person feels seen, heard, and supported.

For more information or to learn about the Mental Health Champion Academy, visit: www.averyburtonfoundation.org