Heartland Community Foundation Announces 2025–26 Youth Action Council Members
The Heartland Community Foundation is proud to announce the 2025–26 Youth Action Council (YAC) members. This leadership and community engagement program brings together high school students from across Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties to learn about philanthropy, develop projects, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
The Youth Action Council empowers students to serve as ambassadors for youth voice and youth-led change. Members will meet monthly throughout the school year to discuss community needs, review grant applications, develop leadership skills, and launch local service projects.
This year’s council includes 41 students representing eight high schools from across the Heartland region. There are 14 new members and 27 returning members:
Ellis County Members
Hays High School
- Elisabeth Bergman, sophomore
- Ava Biggs, senior
- Isaac Bloom, junior
- Savannah Clingan, senior
- Mariella Dreiling, senior
- Braylee Kinderknecht, senior
- Kamden McBride, junior
- Oaklye Wichers, senior
Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP)
- Lydia Balthazor, sophomore
- Jenna Brull, senior
- Brayden Gilmore, senior
- Carson Kraus, sophomore
- Charlie Meitner, junior
- Hannah Rose, junior
Victoria High School
- Zoee Dinges, sophomore
- Emma Dinkel, senior
- Brinly Lichter, senior
- Piper Nowlin, junior
- Grace Younger, sophomore
Ellis High School
- Payten Burd, senior
- Jocelyn Eck, junior
- Taylor Kohl, junior
Rooks County Members
Palco High School
- Trinity Couse, senior
Plainville High School
- Chasey Bittel, senior
- Ayden Cadoret, sophomore
- Kate Hansen, senior
- Shelby Molina, junior
- Tucker Rudman, senior
Stockton High School
- Meredith Gasper, sophomore
- Cheyenne Hoeting, senior
- Aidyen Kerr, sophomore
- Camille Lowry, junior
- Shae Yohon, junior
Trego County Members
Trego Community High School
- Leah Day, sophomore
- Lucas Dreher, junior
- Camdyn Flavin, junior
- Raegan Kastle, junior
- Carleigh Klitzke, senior
- Kallan Rothchild, senior
- Aaron Samson, senior
- Mason Yingling, junior
Heartland is excited to welcome this new and returning class of YAC members and looks forward to another great year of youth leadership, service, and impact across the region.
Learn more about the Youth Action Council at: https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/impact/heartland-community-foundation-youth-action-council/
