Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) wrapped up another year with over $58,000 awarded to 13 local youth serving organizations and schools.
With a focus on mental health, the young philanthropists supported a variety of local projects and programs including after school programs, extra curricular activities, mentoring, and academic training.
As the school year comes to an end, YAC says goodbye and good luck to their five graduating seniors- Avery, Nathan, Derek, Grace and Drew. We know the future is bright for these students! Before they head off to college, they took time to reflect on their years in YAC and how it impacted their lives.
YAC Seniors: Avery Allen, Drew Jablonski, Derek Distelrath, Grace Mason, Nathan Boutt
Avery Allen
President- 4 years in YAC
Attending Central Michigan University- Biology
CMU Maroon and Gold Scholarship
YAC taught me how to develop my social skills in a way that allowed me to connect with not just the youth in our community but also the adults who influenced and developed those organizations we were able to grant to. Being able to speak with the adults in our community provided me a new perspective.
Favorite YAC memory- When we went to the athletic factory for team building and Lindsay threw socks at us
Nathan Boutt
4 years in YAC
Attending University of Michigan- Psychology
I learned the importance of community in helping others to grow and flourish. Hopefully, once I’m out of college, I foresee that I will do more community service and hopefully get on the Advisory committee
Favorite YAC memory- volunteering at the Empty Bowls fundraiser
Derek Distelrath
4 years in YAC
Attending Western Michigan- Business Analytics
What I learned from YAC that impacted me the most is just how fortunate I am to have been given the gifts in life that I currently have because many people were not gifted with such circumstances and I know from my time with YAC that I can use what I have to help those in need.
Drew Jablonski
3 years in YAC
Attending University of Michigan- Biology and Health Sciences
YAC has taught me so much over the years. It has taught me how to be a role model for those around me, encouraging them to get involved in philanthropy work. It has also taught me to be a leader and speak up for something I believe and it has taught me how to get involved within my own community. It has also taught me how to put the needs of others beyond my own as well.
Grace Mason
4 years in YAC
Attending University of Michigan- Computer Science
The most impactful experience from YAC is learning about all the great organizations helping out our community. This really created a positive YAC environment and inspired me to find ways to impact our community. Since middle school I have been involved with philanthropy, helping organizations gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. After every grant or volunteer job, my favorite thing is seeing how grateful people are to receive help. This desire of mine to help and aid people will continue throughout my life.
Favorite YAC memory- Volunteering at the Empty Bowls fundraiser