That's a Wrap! Reflecting on an impactful year with the Youth Advisory Council.

As the 2025-2026 YAC program year comes to a close, we're excited to reflect on the remarkable impact our youth have made. In the midst of a fast-paced world, it's inspiring to pause and celebrate the dedication, growth, and meaningful contributions of these young leaders.

2025 Summer Conference

We had two YAC members attend the 2025 summer conference this year! This conference gives youth across the state an opportunity to come together to share ideas and the work that they do in their communities and take a deeper dive into philanthropy.

Christmas Shopping

Every winter, YAC comes together at Meijer to shop for gifts to support children in our service area who may not receive gifts or support through other programs during the holidays. They also love taking part in gift wrapping so every child has a memorable experience opening their gifts! YAC students were able to provide presents to 17 youth and their families in Branch County & Colon, a mix of necessities and fun gifts to enjoy for Christmas. Meijer also supported this project by donating $500 towards the event to help increase the available budget for spending.

Grant Cycle

After the Youth Advisory Council Grant Cycle in January, the students come together to review applications for funding and interview groups about their projects to determine which projects fit the needs of youth in our community. Through the 2026 grant cycle, a total of $23,625 was awarded to 7 different projects in Branch County. Below are the selected YAC grant recipients:

• Union City High School

• Branch County Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (BCCADSV)

• Coach Eby Youth & Family Center

• Bronson Rocket Football and Cheer Program

• Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village (SBEV)

• Scout Troop 433 via Kiwanis

• Beginning Care for Life Center

6th Grade Presentations

In the Spring, YAC members presented to 6^th grade classrooms at Bronson. Both Colon and Union City decided to postpone the presentations due to the March tornado. This presentation educates our young community on philanthropy and the impact of giving. After the presentation, the 6th graders choose a non-profit in the service area to donate $250. The non-profit who received the donation was CAPA. The 6th grade classes were also granted $250 for participating. Through this outreach, YAC hopes to inspire young minds to get involved in philanthropy and see the good they can do in the community. Next year's presentations will be held at Coldwater, Union City, and Colon.

Hygiene Kits

Preparing hygiene kits for local students has been a beloved spring service project for the Youth Advisory Council for many years. Partnership continues between YAC and Insight Coldwater Regional Telemedicine Clinics, Union City & Colon schools, as well as the BACC counseling staff to provide hygiene kits for students. The kits are packaged by YAC members with the hope of providing easy access to necessities for their peers in need. The kits contain a variety of items like deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, soap, lotion, sunscreen, hair brushes, toothbrushes & toothpaste. This year, extra donations of individually wrapped food items were added, such as pretzels and granola bars to help fight food insecurities among students.

2026 Senior Recognition

This year, we recognized four seniors who contributed to the Youth Advisory Council. Each senior has left a positive mark on YAC, and we know they each have bright and successful futures ahead.

• Madelynn Grife, 2 years of service - attending Michigan University

• Morgan Baker, 5 years of service - attending Michigan State University

• Janet Rucker, 8 years of service - attending Dartmouth University

• Carly Kryzanski, 7 years of service - attending Western Michigan University

  
  

2026-2027 YAC Officers

At the end of every year, members each place votes to decide who will hold the YAC Officer positions for the upcoming year. Congratulations to the Youth Advisory Council Officers for the 2026-2027 year!

•   President: Reuben Fronczak

• Vice President: Cara Vankampen

•  Secretary: Micailan Reynolds

• Treasurer: Issac Davis

• Historian: Abby Paul

  
  

The 2025-2026 program year has been a year of growth and uplifting youth in the community. The Youth Advisory Council is a dedicated group of students who play a key role in supporting the future of Branch County & Colon and we look forward to next year!

YAC is currently accepting applications for the upcoming program year!

Anybody interested in joining YAC for the 2026-2027 school year is encouraged to visit our website at www.BrCoFoundation.org/yac and apply today!