Greater Des Moines Partnership Presents the Youth Leadership Initiative Graduating Class of 2018
GREATER DES MOINES, IOWA (May, 21, 2018) — A total of 37 students representing 21 schools graduated from Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) 2018 Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) class.
YLI, an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, develops and fosters leadership skills among high school sophomores and juniors in DSM through mentoring and community engagement opportunities. A graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, May 17 to honor the youth leaders.
Leading by example
Representing public and private schools across DSM, the students met twice monthly to explore topics on leadership and to learn about the region. Students actively engaged with the community through service projects for five DSM organizations: Amanda the Panda, Animal Lifeline of Iowa, Bidwell Riverside, Central Iowa Services and Shelter, Children and Family Urban Movement and Easter Seals. Through their work, the students continue to exemplify the core YLI values of empower, encourage and engage.
The full graduating Class of 2018
Riley Marie Anderson
Ankeny Centennial High School
Raichel Beierle
Johnston High School
Kaya Bowlsby
Woodward Granger High School
Fia Critelli
Valley High School
Jessica Cruz Hernandez
Hoover High School
Jack Drey
Dowling Catholic High School
Maddie Fees
Carlisle High School
Ana Grandgeorge
North Polk High School
Zach Halter
Dowling Catholic High School
Drake Hanson
Southeast Polk High School
Bailey Hochstein
Norwalk High School
Kade Johnson
Dowling Catholic High School
Will Keck
Waukee High School
Claire Kelly
Waukee High School
Aditya Kotla
Urbandale High School
Maisie Laughlin
Carlisle High School
Jenna Lee-Johnson
Indianola High School
Jax Mahlstadt
Indianola High School
Meg Mallapan
Roosevelt High School
Jessica McCartan
Dallas Center-Grimes High School
Shelby McCasland
Martensdale St. Mary’s High School
Aby Mouzakis
Indianola High School
Omar Mustafa
Valley High School
Josie Noland
Woodward Grander High School / Central Academy
Cooper Pierce
Dallas Center-Grimes High School
Lily Quade
Norwalk High School
Jocelyn Rifas
North High School
Amanda Roberts
Johnston High School
Cailey Ruble
Roosevelt High School
Carter Schmidt
Norwalk High School
Chandler Schrock
Southeast Polk High School
Alia Smith
Ankeny Centennial High School
Dylan Smith
Urbandale High School
Alex Tiengkham
East High School
Ethan Ung
Johnston High School
Flint Vernon
North Polk High School
Nat Worthington
Lincoln High School
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 was an initiative of The Partnership’s Talent Development work. Now in its 16th 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, 464 students have successfully graduated from the program.
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.