Congratulations to the Youth Leadership Initiative Class of 2015
A total of 39 students from 18 area high schools graduated from the 2015 Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI). The ceremony was held at the Des Moines Art Center on Tuesday, May 26. Students gave final presentations on their small group service projects, which they had to plan, organize, execute and manage a budget. In addition, the following people and organizations received awards:
- Morgan Stutzman of Johnston High School won the YLI Outstanding Youth Award
- Iowa Safe Schools won the YLI Community Partner Award
- Zach Walker won the Mentor of the Year Award
- David Schmitz won the YLI Impact Award
YLI introduces, develops and fosters leadership skills among youth in Greater Des Moines (DSM) by providing experiential mentoring and leadership experiences that enhance self-esteem and encourage involvement in all levels of community life.
YLI is a program of the Greater Des Moines Partnership under its Regional Workforce Development and Education pillar of work. Since its inception in 2001, 420 students have graduated from the program.
The 2015 YLI Class
Tommy Anderson — West Des Moines Valley
Taylor Baber — Carlisle
Nicole Baily — Hoover
Dylan Boles — Van Meter
Levon Bottley — West Des Moines Valley
Nolan Bulver — Southeast Polk
Kate Carico — Johnston
Griffin Clabaugh — Urbandale
Margarita Clemente — North
Katie Coleman — Dowling Catholic
Megan Eischeid — Dallas Center-Grimes
Olive Elwell — Roosevelt
Jack Fink — Dowling Catholic
Charlie Flippen — Roosevelt
Tyler Hirl — Norwalk
Dody Kim — Dallas Center-Grimes
Evan Konrad — Roosevelt
Anne Krone — Johnston
Ian Ksiazak — West Des Moines Valley
Garrison McFarlan — Iowa Christian Academy
Katie Meinecke — Norwalk
Carter Mills — WDM Valley
Sara Mulder — East
Ben Nelson — Dowling Catholic
Daniel Nielsen — Dowling Catholic
Zach Owens — Ankeny Centennial
Alex Peralta — Waukee
Natalie Perez — Carlisle
Lucas Phillips — Urbandale
Adam Rose — Waukee
Missy Rovner — Southeast Polk
Sarah Sjurson — Waukee
Morgan Stutzman — Johnston
Katelyn Thomas — Southeast Polk
Leslie Tiengkham — East
Cody Veach — Iowa Christian Academy
Sreeja Vepa — Urbandale
Kendra Wickre — Saydel High School
Trent Wignall — Johnston
?For more information, please visit DSMpartnership.com/education or contact program director, Nathan Ritz, at (515) 286-4937 or nritz@DSMpartnership.com. Media inquiries should be directed to Kyle Oppenhuizen at (515) 286-4972 or koppenhuizen@DSMpartnership.com.
About the Youth Leadership Initiative
YLI began as a project of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute's Community Leadership class of 2001-2002. It is now a program of the Partnership’s Regional Workforce Development and Education initiative. Now in its 14th year, YLI’s mission is to help local youth see a community that is welcoming, nurturing, and vital which provides ample opportunity for participation in meaningful community change, networking, and individual growth. Since its inception, more than 420 students have successfully graduated from the program. For more information on the program, visit DSMpartnership.com/education.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.