Heartland Community Foundation
Announces the 2023-24 Youth Action Council Members
HAYS, KS -- The Heartland Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the selection of the 2023-24 Youth Action Council (YAC) members. The YAC program, designed for high school students in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, aims to foster leadership skills, encourage philanthropy, and cultivate a deeper sense of community pride among young individuals.
The Heartland Community Foundation firmly believes in the potential of young people to create positive change in their communities. The YAC program offers an opportunity for these aspiring leaders to develop their knowledge of grants, engage in community projects, and build essential life skills. By participating in YAC, these students become catalysts for growth and innovation in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties.
The Heartland Community Foundation congratulates the following students:
Ellis County
RETURNING MEMBERS:
Lexi Burton, Hays High, senior
Henry Fitzthum, Hays High, senior
Jake Brady, TMP-Marian, junior
Aiden Burton, Hays High/KAMS, junior
Ben Dome, Victoria High, junior
Breanna Seiler, TMP-Marian, junior
NEW MEMBERS:
Amelia Herrman, TMP-Marian, senior
Madelyn Rozean, TMP-Marian, senior
Addison Kohl, Ellis High, junior
Brody Nowak, Victoria High, junior
Aurora Nowlin, Victoria High, junior
Jenna Brull, TMP-Marian, sophomore
Payten Burd, Ellis High, sophomore
Savannah Clingan, Hays High, sophomore
Rooks County
RETURNING MEMBERS:
Lucina Parson, Palco High, senior
Raegan Shepherd, Stockton High, senior
Kenzie Wells, Palco High, senior
Taylor Ayers, Plainville High, junior
Marlie Dobson, Plainville High, junior
Aubrey Kesler, Stockton High, junior
NEW MEMBERS:
Ava Dix, Stockton High, junior
Bodye Stithem, Stockton High, junior
Trinity Couse, Palco High, sophomore
Kate Hansen, Plainville High, sophomore
Cheyenne Hoeting, Stockton, sophomore
Trego County
RETURNING MEMBERS:
Annabelle Malsam, Trego High, senior
Mia Coleman, Trego High, junior
Hunter Yingling, Trego High, junior
NEW MEMBERS:
Myah Mattheyer, Trego High, senior
Adrian Wynn, Trego High, senior
Kallan Rothchild, Trego High, sophomore
"We are incredibly proud to welcome these talented and passionate students to the Youth Action Council," said Sarah Meitner, executive director, of the Heartland Community Foundation. "Their dedication to community service and their enthusiasm for making a difference will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the YAC program and the betterment of our communities."
The Youth Action Council meetings will be held once a month during the school day, with locations rotating among the high schools in each county. The members will also have the opportunity to participate in a retreat in Hays and develop and volunteer for a service project. The Heartland Community Foundation expects these young leaders to actively engage in discussions and activities and serve as advocates for the Youth Action Council, the Heartland Community Foundation, and the youth in the community. Next fall, the Youth Action Council will also host a Scholarship 101 meeting in each county for high school juniors and seniors. More information will be shared about that event at a later time.
For more information about the Youth Action Council and the Heartland Community Foundation, please visit www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org.
