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A New Year For YAC 2026-2027

Our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) was born out of the idea that young people are experts on youth needs. The C3F YAC oversees grantmaking from the Youth Fund during C3F’s yearly Youth Needs Grant Cycle which aims to meet needs and advance opportunities for young people in Charlevoix County. Over the last 34 years, the YAC has awarded more than $1.4 million in grants to benefit local children, teens, and families.

The YAC is a group of talented and committed Charlevoix County high school students hailing from Beaver Island, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Charlevoix, and East Jordan. This group is more than just a grant evaluation committee. They also advocate for youth voice in our community and serve as a catalyst for community service projects. Participation helps area youth grow critical leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making. C3F Youth Advancement staff member, Megan Havrilla DeHoog shared, “Youth should be involved in all places where decisions impact them and their experiences. The youth around us are already leaders who are diverse, passionate, and ready to take action – we just need to ask.”

Before the next YAC year, new members are recruited from each school to replace the graduating seniors. This year they welcomed new 9th grade members:

  • Zia Duffing - Beaver Island

  • Ella Ford - Boyne City

  • Olive Ledbetter - Beaver Island

  • Quinn Maki – Charlevoix

  • ​Lexi Wenz - East Jordan

The YAC Executive Committee is comprised of various leadership positions with additional responsibilities that guide the YAC year. This year the Executive Committee members include:

  • President, Olivia Pineda-Andersen – Boyne Falls, 12th grade

  • Vice President, Ayla Kemp – Charlevoix, 12th grade

  • Treasurer, Addy Burns – Boyne City, 12th grade

  • Secretary, Bella Wise – East Jordan, 11th grade

  • Social Media, Calli Silva-Novak – Boyne Falls, 10th grade

Other current members of the YAC include:

  • Ella Boss, Charlevoix, 11th grade

  • Lucas Strahan, Charlevoix, 10th grade

  • Oliver Johnecheck, Boyne City, 11th grade

  • Ryan Shooks, East Jordan, 10th grade

  • Sunny Sherk, Boyne City, 10 grade

  • William Webb, East Jordan, 12th grade

Join us in wishing them well on their exciting journey of growth.

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