That’s one of the reasons behind programs such as the Norway High School Youth Advisory Council, known as YAC.

The organization’s mission is to empower young people by providing them opportunities to get involved in their community, earn volunteer service hours, be decision-makers for youth issues, build leadership skills, learn about local philanthropy and take part in awarding grants.

Tami Slagle, who took over as Norway YAC advisor three years ago, strongly believes in the benefits the program can have on a student’s future.

“They are not only learning valuable skills they can use for the rest of their life, they are making a difference in their community,” she said.

Norway Youth Advisory Committee officers are, from left, junior Bryce Adams, treasurer; sophomore Ashley Carlson, secretary; junior Grace Schiltz, president; junior Lucas Robertson, public relations; and junior Emma Dube, vice president.

The NHS school organization formed after the Dickinson Area Community Foundation was established in 1995, when a group of volunteers took advantage of a “challenge grant” offer from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which focuses on youth-based philanthropy, DACF Executive Director Tamara Juul said.

Kellogg matched the funds initially invested in the Norway Area Community Foundation and it provided the seed money for the YAC endowment fund.

“This group is educated on the three T’s — sharing your time, talents and treasures to improve the quality of life in our area,” Juul said.

Each year, NHS YAC members solicit grant requests, evaluate applications and present donations to several youth-based projects and programs. The process can be challenging, as many times they have more applicants than funds.

“Students start to understand how great the need is for many of the non-profits in our area,” Slagle said.

“It’s probably the biggest thing that they do,” Juul added.

They recently awarded $1,500 to the Girl Scouts for leadership experience and to help pay for student membership within the “ALICE threshold” and $1,500 to Grace United Methodist Church for the GULP program that provides weekend food bags to students in need.

The roughly $478 that remained went to Mountain View Ice Arena to buy new skates.

When not making grant decisions, YAC engages in community service and fundraising.

“From the first day of school to the last, members are very busy,” Slagle said.

YAC President and NHS junior Grace Schiltz said one of her favorite activities is taking part in the ice cream sales and, most recently, snow cone fundraisers for their new “birthday kit” project.

The kits are cake pans filled with a cake mix, frosting and candles that will be distributed to local food pantries and to the school office for students in need who are celebrating a birthday.

Money from the ice cream fundraiser is used to purchase Christmas gifts for two families. “The Christmas program really has an impact on them — it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of YAC,” Slagle said.

It also teaches them to use their money wisely, looking for the best deals to help the money go further, she said.

Vice president and NHS junior Emma Dube said her favorite service project is to dress up as characters for the holiday and pass out candy.

“It’s really amazing. The kids get really excited — it’s awesome,” Dube said.

“It puts a smile on everyone’s face and brightens their day,” Slagle added.

In October, members sell “Cancer Sucks” suckers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds donated to the Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet.

Juul noted that YAC members also assist with the DACF’s Tailgate and the Harry Potter-themed fundraisers.

“We couldn’t do those events without the help of the kids,” she said.

This spring, members will again assist with the Norway Spring Classic.

“I love volunteering and being part of something where everyone works together,” Schiltz said.

“I feel like it’s so important to give back to the community,” Dube added. “It teaches many lessons, like responsibility and how to be a good person. That’s something that will help you for the rest of your life.”

This year, NHS has 50 committed YAC members, a high percentage considering the total high school student count is 169, Slagle said.

“She (Slagle) does a wonderful job with the kids,” Juul said. “She encourages them to get involved, especially the younger ones. We were blessed when she said she would take it over.”

At the beginning of each school year, freshmen through seniors apply as a way to show they are interested and dedicated. Members also elect officers at this time.

But a student can join the group at any time throughout the school year, Slagle said.

Michigan has 86 YACs with a total of 1,500 members, Juul said. Local schools host leadership conferences each year to give students a chance to discuss projects and goals.

Students are also invited to take part at the annual conference in June at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, where about 500 students share ideas and learn from each other.

“It’s a good investment of their time to attend,” said Juul, adding the DACF pays for that experience.

“The kids that have gone have expressed how amazing it was,” she said.

At the 2019 conference, Norway YAC received the Fundraiser of the Year Award from the Council of Michigan Foundation for the “Color Our School Pink” campaign. The month-long event at NHS was to raise money for the Dickinson County Unit Cancer Loan Closet.

Dube encourages other students to join YAC. “It’s important to put yourself out there, try something new if you haven’t done it before. You might even have a really good time,” she said.

Schiltz said her time with YAC will be of benefit during her college years. She plans to continue to get involved, as it will help her meet new people.

“Having this club also gives students that sense of community, somewhere they can feel safe, have a good time and learn social skills that you wouldn’t get anywhere else,” Schiltz said.

It’s also important from her point of view as a scholarship administrator, Juul said.

“It’s so competitive now that it’s critical that kids get involved and do more than just take classes,” Juul said.

YAC’s yearly accomplishments are a testament of their dedication to the community, Slagle said.

“They should be proud of the impact they have made and will continue to make,” she said.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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