Solomon Valley Community Foundation Announces Inaugural Youth Action Council Members

Solomon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) is excited to announce the first-ever class of students selected to serve on the newly formed Youth Action Council (YAC), a leadership and enrichment program designed to empower high school students to become active changemakers in their communities. 

The inaugural council includes students from Beloit, St. John's, and Tipton schools who will spend the upcoming school year learning about leadership, volunteerism, philanthropy, and community engagement while working together to address issues impacting local youth. 

The 2026-2027 Youth Action Council members include:

• Miley Kemmerer, Beloit

• Lila Lowery, St. John’s 

• Scarlet Ellenz, Tipton

• Brooks Dunstan, St. John’s

• Trayl Lowery, St. John’s

• Maryann Walter, St. John’s 

• Karridy Dunstan, St. Jonn’s

• Avery Budke, Beloit

• Jaedyn Arnoldy, Tipton

• Emma Hackerott, Tipton

• Izabella Hyman, Beloit

• Maura Knappert, St. John’s

The Youth Action Council brings Mitchell County students in grades 9-11 together to explore leadership, philanthropy, and community involvement while developing skills that will help shape the future of their communities. 

The group will officially kick off in August with team-building activities, and an introduction to the mission of the SVCF and YAC program. Throughout the year, students will participate in month sessions covering a variety of topics including volunteerism, philanthropy, leadership, grant writing, nonprofit vs. for-profit, and issues affecting youth in their schools and communities. 

"The Youth Action Council is an exciting opportunity to invest in the next generation of community leaders,” said Julia Rabe, SVCF Executive Director. “We want students to understand that their voices matter and that they have the ability to make a meaningful impact right now in their schools and communities.” 

The mission of Youth Action Council is to encourage active community participation, cultivate a spirit of philanthropy, and instill a deep sense of community pride among area youth.  

For more information about the Solomon Valley Community Foundation Youth Action Council, visit solomonvalleycf.orf/yac