About Us
The Youth GrantMakers Council (YGMC) is a project of the Greater Salina Community Foundation that was created to directly involve youth in the grant making process. This council also gives its members the opportunity to empower youth and to help other youth-led projects succeed in bettering the community.
YGMC consists solely of high school students who are dedicated and proud to be at the forefront of change. The current council consists of 23 members who attend five different schools in Saline County. They are diverse in age, race, sex, religion, and economic status, but they all have one thing in common: they want to make a difference.
Each year the council has money to give to youth-led projects to help them meet their needs. Grants are advertised, reviewed, and selected by the council. When a grant is awarded, it is also the job of YGMC to track the progress of each grant by requesting a report. But, no matter how long or hard the work may be, YGMC always has fun!
The photos and information on this page will tell you who we are:
Chloe Seim (President)
Hi! My name is Chloe and I am a senior at Southeast of Saline High School. I love are and I am an active member in my school's Art Club. I also play the clarinet and am in both our high school band and the Salina Youth Symphony. Along with these passions, I also read a lot and love writing short stories. This is my fourth year on YGMC and I know we will accomplish a lot this year!
Courtney Train (Vice President)
Hey! My name is Courtney Train. Well, since you are dying to know, I am a junior at Salina Central High School. I am also a third year member on YGMC. When I am not helping out the council, I am either rehearsing for plays, enjoying good old-fashioned homework, or laboring at Dairy Queen. I also like to scrapbook in my spare time.
Ann Nguyen (Secretary)
I'm Ann Nguyen. I am a senior at Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School. I play the oboe...and the clairnet...and the english horn...and the bass drum. This is my third year and last year on the council. In addition to being YGMC's secretary, I am president of my school's Friends of Rachel chapter, the public relations coordinator for our Junior Civitan Club, and I have been my class StuCo representative for the past two years. Next year, I am going to be doing pre-dentistry and studying to be an orthodontist.
Alyssa Peppiatt
Hey! I am Alyssa Peppiatt, aka A-Pep! It is my second year on YGMC and I am a senior at Salina South High School. At my school, I am involved in the Peppers Dance Team, New Dawn Singers, Community Ambassadors, Catholic Youth Organization, StuCo, National Honor Society, musicals, and much more. In my spare time, I enjoy running and playing the piano.
Kendra Lawson
Hello! My name is Kendra Lawson and I attend Southeast of Saline High School. I like to be unique and have fun. My hobbies include cheerleading, cross-country, and music. I absolutely LOVE chocolate! In the future, I hope to become a successful social worker! My passion has always been to help people in any way that I can. In my free time, I like to write poetry to express the things that are going on in my life. Being a part of an organization like YGMC has taught me to be more responsible and has given me an opportunity to speak my mind.
Robyn Zey
I'm Robyn Zey and I am a senior at Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School. This is my second year on YGMC. Other activities that I am involved in include: Volleyball, PASS, Publicity, Wellness Committee, Friends of Rachel, and Project Green.
Megan Haugh
Hi! I am Megan Haugh. I am a sophomore at Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School. Some of the things I am involved in include the Youth Advisory Council and the IMPACT Coalition. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and playing the piano and violin. This is my first year on YGMC and I am looking forward to it!
Bryan Eitel
My name is Bryan Eitel. I am a junior at Salina South High School. I have two younger sisters named Lindsay and Lauren. In my free time I like to go hunting and fishing. I also play on the golf team at school. Later in life I plan to go to college and major in Biology. I joined YGMC to make a difference in my community.
Miranda Basinger
Hi! My name is Miranda Basinger and I am a freshman at Ell-Saline Jr./Sr. High School. I am a new member of YGMC and so far, I have liked it a lot. My future interests include going to medical school and moving oversees.
Madison Hale
Hi! My name is Madison Hale. I am a junior at Sacred Heart High School. I will be involved this year in cross-country, Junior Civitian, Catholic Youth Organization, Relay for Life, and much more. This is my second year on YGMC.
Damion Cooper
Hello! My name is Damion Cooper and I am a freshman that is attending Salina Central High School. This is my first year as a YGMC member. I like to have fun and do other activites outside of school, such as soccer, basketball, and track. I am a part of my school's Climate Committee and I have been in the ALIVE Leadership Program. Volunteering has always been a part of my life. My passion has always been to help people in any way I can. I hopefully be a professional sports player, business man, or athletic trainer. I hope YGMC will help me to become a better person and role model.
Jordan Pieschl
Hey! I am Jordan Pieschl and I am a junior at Ell-Saline Jr./Sr. High School. I am involved in PALS, National Honor Society, 4-H, and my church. I am also president of my school's FFA Chapter and vice-president of StuCo. I am really excited about my first year on YGMC!
William Putzier
Hi! My name is Will Putzier. I am a junior at Salina Central High School. This is my first year on YGMC. I am also involved in swimming, tennis, band, and StuCo.
Kylie Metzger
Hey! I am Kylie Metzger and I am a sophomore at Salina South High School. I am actively involved in cross-country, track, color guard, theatre, FCA, and my church. YGMC is a great organization and I am excited for my first year!
Sydney Rayl
I am Sydney Rayl and I am a senior at Salina Central High School. I have been on YGMC for three years. I am also involved in yearbook at my school and I teach cooking classes at the Emergency Food Bank. I love to bake, watch movies, and of course, give grants!
Tyler Walker
My name is Tyler Dillon Walker. I am a junior at Salina Central High School and I am very proud to be a part of YGMC. I am an Eagle Scout who is used to helping out the community. I am involved in the Drama & music departments at school. I also am involved in football, olympic weightlifting, and I plan on trying out for track. I participate in math, art, & science competitions and I am a member of Free Spirit.
Kate Martens
Hey! My name is Kate Martens and I am a freshman at Salina Central High School. This is my first year on YGMC. I am also involved in FCA, FCYM, and I have been a part of the ALIVE Leadership Program. I enjoy playing sports (soccer and tennis), and doing art (2D). Refereeing for soccer and babysitting are other commitments I have. I take pleasure in being involved in my church, school, and community.
Alyse Weishaar
Hi! I'm Alyse Weishaar. I am a freshman at Salina South High School. I am involved in activities such as band, where I play the clarinet. I am also on the golf team and involved with SADD. In my free time, I enjoy going to dance class once a week at the Dance Academy and hanging out with friends. This is my first year on YGMC!
William Reid
Hey. My name is William Reid and I am a sophomore at Salina Central High School. I do cross country, track, and am in the band. I am also involved in the Central Climate Committee and play the trumpet in Jazz Band. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and playing sports. This is my first year on YGMC.
Adria Smith (Historian)
Hi! My name is Adria Smith. I am currently a senior at Salina South High School and this is my fourth year on YGMC. Through being on this council, I have learned to give back to the community, while also learning leadership skills. After high school, I plan on continuing to college to major in Business or Accounting (because of my love for math). Along with my passion for numbers, I enjoy playing basketball and running track.
Ken Miller (Volunteer Advisor)
Hello, I am Ken Miller and I have been a Salina resident since 1964. I taught and coached at Salina High School and at Salina South High School. My wife, Beth, and I recently celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. We have three children and five grandsons.
Margaret Yarnevich (Volunteer Advisor)
Hello! My name is Margaret Yarnevich and I serve as a volunteer advisor for YGMC. I am a retired German teacher. My husband, George, and I have lived in Salina for 35 years. We have two children, both of who are married, and now live in Kansas City. We have three grandchildren. My hobbies include horseback riding, golf, and reading.
Caitlin Cox (Youth Coordinator)
Hey everyone! I'm Caitlin Cox and I am the Youth Coordinator of YGMC. It is my job to help keep YGMC running. I am a junior at Kansas Wesleyan University. I am majoring in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education. I have three other jobs besides working at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. I am a mentor at the Xcel @ The City after-school program, I am an office assistant at the Salina Animal Shelter, and I work at The City on the weekends. I am also a Big for BBBS, so I enjoy spending time with my Little. I look forward to seeing what amazing things YGMC will do this year!
Ryan Claybaugh
Hello there! My name is Ryan Claybaugh and I am currently a senior at Salina Central High School. I want to pursue Graphic Design or some other computer graphic career in my future. This is my 2nd year on the council and I am very excited for the year in front of me.
Sean Bender
My name is Sean Bender. I am a senior at Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School. I participate in debate, forensics, cross-country, quiz bowl, and band. I also work at Martinelli's Little Italy.
Laurel Michel
My name is Laurel Michel and I am a junior at Salina Central High School. I am on the tennis and basketball team. I am also involved with StuCo, Climate Committee, dance, and forensics. This is my second year as a YGMC member.