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 20 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:

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Vice-President

Hi, I'm William Reid and I am the vice-president of YGMC. I am a junior at Salina Central and this is my second year on the council. I am member of my school's track and cross-country teams, and I am also involved in band, jazz band, the EcoMeet team, and the School Climate Committee. Outside of school I am a member of my church's youth group and I volunteer through the Volunteer Connection. I joined YGMC because I thought it would be a fun way to help out our community.

Secretary

Hi, I'm Laurel Michel and I am the secretary of YGMC. I am a senior at Salina Central and this is my third year on the council. At school, I play tennis, I am a member of the VET Squad, and I am involved with STUCO. Outside of school, I am a member of my church's youth group. I joined YGMC to take on a leadership role and to make a difference in my community.

Hi, I'm Jordan Pieschl and I am a senior at Ell-Saline. This is my second year on the council. At school, I am a member of my school's FFA chapter and the district FFA President. I am also involved with STUCO, NHS, PALS, and Science Olympiad. Outside of school I am a lector and religious education teacher at my church, a member of 4-H, and I work part-time at Pet Life by Roberts. I joined YGMC because I want to help make our community a better place by creating programs and activities for youth.

Historian

Hi, I'm William Putzier and I am the historian of YGMC. I am a senior at Salina Central and this is my second year on the council. At school, I am involved in band, STUCO, NHS, swimming, and golf. Outside of school, I am a member of my church's youth group, I am a Community Ambassador, and I work part-time as a bag bog at Salina Country Club. I joined YGMC because I wanted to help the underprivileged youth of Saline County.

President

Hi, I'm Courtney Train and I am the president of YGMC. I am a senior at Salina Central and this is my fourth year on the council. At school, I am involved in forensics, NHS, Theatre, STUCO, and the School Climate Committee. Outside of school, I regularly attend church and I work part-time at Dairy Queen. I joined YGMC to get involved in my community and to do my part to change the world.