COEUR d’ALENE — Haggen Walker didn’t receive just one or two recommendations for the award he received at Coeur d’Alene High School. 

Instead, a total of four different staff members at CHS lauded his efforts to uplift his fellow students that made him this year’s mental health champion for North Idaho. 

When his mother received the nomination email from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the sophomore was convinced he was out of the running. 

“I told her, ‘Don’t expect me to get it,’ but that’s super cool that I got nominated,” Haggen said. 

His mother, Tiffinay Vargas, wasn’t surprised when he received the award. 

“His dad and I were just so proud. He’s such a good boy, he’s so genuine and thoughtful and we can’t wait to see what he’ll do,” Vargas said. 

The two spoke to The Press while on the way to Lakeland High School where Haggen will help oversee the regional Key Club as lieutenant governor. 

"Something I commonly see is participation in activities has been at an all-time low recently, but I want to encourage people on a face-to-face level,” Haggen said.  

The mental health award is for North Idaho youth “who go above and beyond in matters of mental health.” 

One of his nominators said Haggen is the living embodiment of the Viking motto of “work hard, be kind and be humble.” 

Another nominator praised his community engagement, noting that it was hard to tell he was only in his second year of high school.

Haggen participated in the student council state conference and one of his proudest achievements as a sophomore has been starting an Idaho Drug Free Youth Club at CHS. 

Haggen’s goal with his classmates has been to encourage people to “be the people they can be.”  

“Through his positive attitude and dedication to promoting mental health, Haggen has truly become an inspiration. His efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment have made a lasting impact,” one of the nominations read. 

Haggen said he hopes that by showing his enthusiasm to try new things and reach out to others, he’ll be able to help more students feel comfortable stepping up and supporting one another.

“It made me feel so special,” Haggen said. 

Students Collin Decker, Lola Barron and Maddie Mushaney were also recognized for their contributions to the community. 

The runners-up were praised for their efforts to promote 988 among students in crisis, presenting on mental health at a regional student council meeting and bringing energy and empathy to the student Sources of Strength campaign about resiliency.  

    Maggie Morrison introduces Haggen Walker as the North Idaho's student Mental Health Champion Tuesday at Coeur d'Alene High School. Rosa Mettler holds the award before presenting it during a ceremony at the school.