2016-2017 KOSCIUSKO YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMYKYLA 2016-2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President ..................................... Emily CowanVice-President ................................ Carl LausterTreasurer ............................................ Alex HallSecretary ....................................... Christi PriceCurriculum ......... Cindy Klusman & Barb GosleeFundraiser .................................... Carl LausterPublic Relations ......................... Cathy GarrisonModerator ..................................... Tony Ciriello Special Events ................................ Carl LausterAt-Large ............... Jared Mikel & Hannah Haines

2016-2017 SponsorsThe Board of Directors for the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy

would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the following businesses and organizations and individuals that have generously supported the acade-my this past year. It is because of this support that we are able to continue giving back to our local community. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Sponsors include: Kosciusko Community Hospital, Horizon Bank, Monteith’s Best One Auto and Tire Care, CTB, Inc., Medtronic, Penguin Point Systems, Creighton Brothers, Maple Leaf Farms, MutualBank, Jansen Orthopaedics, LLC., Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw Morning Optimist, OrthoPediatrics, Hall & Marose Silveus, LLC., First Federal Savings Bank, Grace College, 1st Source Bank, The Papers, Inc., Parkview Hospital of Warsaw, NIPSCO, Emerson and Natalie Poort and the Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation.

Other sponsors include: Warsaw Times Union, City of Warsaw Parks Department, Warsaw Police Department, Kosciusko County Sherriff’s Department, County Extension Office, KCH Wellness Center, KREMC, DePuy Synthes, Walmart, Vitale Events, Baker Youth Club, Combined Community Services and Ink Free News.

On behalf of the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate each member of the 2017 graduating class on a job well done and also express my gratitude to them for their philan-thropy within this community. This marks the 23rd year of providing an opportunity for juniors from six area high schools to be involved in KYLA. This year 31 students have spent the last nine months learn-ing about various aspects of the community, leadership, and how they can contribute by becoming more involved. They have volunteered their time to serve their community as well as complete an altruistic community initiative called Project Proud. The Project Proud presenta-tions this year were impressive and showed each student has ingenuity, creativity and willingness to identify a cause and work to be part of the solution. Great job! I would like to express my sincere thanks for all who have contributed to the success of KYLA throughout the year. Many business leaders volunteered time, resources and facilities to assist us.

Also, many thanks to the parents and the schools who have supported the students throughout the year. We appreciate your interest in the future of our community. I would also like to recognize the contribu-tions of the KYLA Board Members this year. I appreciate all they have done to help make this another successful KYLA class. We wish the best to each of the graduates and look forward to seeing them in leadership roles in our commu-nity in the future.

Emily Cowan,PresidentKosciusko Youth Leadership

May the future hold an abundance of happiness and a long string ofsuccesses for you as you move on through your schooling, career and life.

A Letter From The President

KYLA Class of 2017: Row 1 (Left to Right) McKenzie Murphy, Tippecanoe Val-ley; Hannah Wanemacher, Triton; Courtney Jennings, Triton; Meredith Phipps, War-saw; Grace Miller, Warsaw; Claire Rich, Warsaw; Sarah Bingham, Lakeland Christian Academy; Meghan Beer, Wawasee; Kolbie Mason, Triton; Jacqueline Werstler, Whitko

Row 2 (Left to Right) Lacey Helfers, Wawasee; Madison O’Connell, Tippecanoe Valley; Olivia Trippiedi, Tippecanoe Valley; Rozlyn Bishop, Whitko; Reagan Atwood, Wawasee; Aubrey Kuhn, Wawasee; Alex Koontz, Warsaw; Shaniah Baker, Triton;

Baylee Wiley, Lakeland Christian Academy; Jasmin Juarez, Warsaw; Emma Ross, Tri-ton; Susan Nickerson, Tippecanoe Valley

Row 3 (Left to Right) Jacob McDonald, Tippecanoe Valley; Josh Turner, Lakeland Christian Academy; Camden Tucker, Tippecanoe Valley; Drew Stichter, Triton; Eric Williamson, Warsaw; Sam Yeager, Warsaw; Branden Bailey, Warsaw; Alex Bergen, Warsaw

Not pictured: Abigail Serbousek, Warsaw

Reagan AtwoodWawasee High School

Activities:Cross Country,Gymnastics,ChurchHobbies: SportsFuture College:UndecidedMajor: Psychologyor Medical fieldParents: Jeff &Melissa AtwoodSiblings: Tristen & Rileigh AtwoodProject Proud paper: Fundraising for a family in need

Branden BaileyWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities: Science Academic Super Bowl, BPA, Pet Therapy, NSHSS, Part-time jobHobbies: Biking, computer programming Future College:Purdue, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMajor: Biomolecular EngineeringParents: Peggy Bailey & the late Rus-sell BaileyProject Proud paper: Works Progress Internet Cooperative

Aubrey KuhnWawasee High School

Activities: Cross Country, Basketball, Softball, Travel Basketball, Warrior Leadership Academy, Life Guarding, Unified Track TeamHobbies: Running, friends, lake activitiesFuture College: Indiana University,Ball StateMajor: UndecidedParents: Tim & Amy KuhnSiblings: Rylan KuhnProject Proud paper:Many Teams One Fight

Abigail SerbousekWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities: Elementary basketball coach, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts videographerHobbies: Snow skiing, volleyballFuture College: GonzagaMajor: Religion, Pre-lawParents: Jon & Jill SerbousekProject Proud paper: CASA: Once Upon a Time

Shaniah BakerTriton High School

Activities: FFA, NHS, Spirit ClubHobbies: Hunt-ing, fishing, shooting, adventures in new placesFuture College:Ivy Tech Major:Paralegal StudiesParents: Steve & Sheila BakerSiblings: Savannah BakerProject Proud paper:Hand Down the Hunt

Kolbie MasonTriton High School

Activities:Science Club, Spirit Club, NHS, Art Club, Tennis ClubHobbies: TennisFuture College: Butler Major:Physician’s Assistance ProgramParents: Brad & Angela MasonSiblings: Kendall, Kylie & Kaelyn MasonProject Proud paper: ParkviewHospital Children’s Wing

Drew StichterTriton High School

Activities:Football,Basketball, NHS, Youth GroupHobbies: Sports, friendsFuture College: Purdue, Bethel Major:EngineeringParents: Tim & Evelyn StichterSiblings: Grant, Heather & Aaron StichterProject Proud paper: ParkviewHospital Children’s Wing

Meghan BeerWawasee High School

Activities:Soccer, Gymnastics, Dance, Leadership Committee, Student Council, 4-HHobbies:Wake-surfing, water sports, friendsFuture College: UndecidedMajor: UndecidedParents: Kevin & Laurie BeerSiblings: Nicole & Ella BeerProject Proud paper: Claus for Paws

Jacob McDonaldTippecanoe Valley High School

Activities: Band, Swimming, Track, Peer FacilitatorsHobbies:Drumming, watching racingFuture College: Belmont, Ball StateMajor: Music PerformanceParents: Brent & Tabby McDonaldSiblings: Tyler McDonaldProject Proud paper: Bears for Blue

Olivia TrippiediTippecanoe Valley High School

Activities: Volleyball,Basketball, Student Council, Peer FacilitatorsHobbies: Surfing, shopping, sports, travelingFuture College: UndecidedMajor: Pediatric NurseParents: Dean & Alissa TrippiediSiblings: Taylor & Tanner TrippiediProject Proud paper: Covered by Love

Alex BergenWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities: BPA Hobbies:Vexillology,Armadadillo BandFuture College: IndianaUniversityMajor: PhysicsParents: Mike & Casey BergenSiblings: Ben, Will & Nick BergenProject Proud paper: HoosiersHelping Hundreds

McKenzie MurphyTippecanoe Valley High School

Activities: Volleyballmanager, FCA, Student Council, Peer FacilitatorsHobbies: Hunting, working with kids, volunteering, travel, mission tripsFuture College: Indiana Wesleyan, University of IndianapolisMajor: NursingParents: Mike & Amy MurphySiblings: Emily MurphyProject Proud paper:Covered by Love

Camden TuckerTippecanoe Valley High School

Activities: Boy Scouts, KEYS, Youth Group, Football,Swimming, Track, Student Council, PeersHobbies: Skate Boarding, Jerky ArtisanFuture College: Indiana University, PurdueMajor: Civil EngineeringParents: Jeff & Kristine TuckerSiblings: Josh TuckerProject Proud paper: Bears for Blue

Sarah BinghamLakeland Christian Academy

Activities:Volleyball, NHS, Youth Group, ArtHobbies: Art, reading, boating, friendsFuture College: GraceMajor: ChemistryParents: Roger & Lorraine BinghamSiblings: Seth & Ben BinghamProject Proud paper: Catsand Cookies

Grace MillerWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities: TennisHobbies:Reading, writing, cookingFuture College: undecidedMajor: English or HistoryParents: Dave & Shellie MillerSiblings: Alex MillerProject Proud paper:Buddy Benches

Josh TurnerLakeland Christian Academy

Activities:Soccer, Spring Play, Student SenateHobbies: Fishing, mountain biking, long boarding, video gamesFuture College: UndecidedMajor: Science fieldParents: Aaron & Janelle TurnerSiblings: Sam TurnerProject Proud paper: Cats andCookies

Rozlyn BishopWhitko High School

Activities: Theatre, Gospel Choir, Dance, Cheerleading, FCCLA, SADD, Student Council, NHS, Campus LifeHobbies: Acting, singing, dancing, readingFuture College: UndecidedMajor: Performing Arts &Communication (Broadcasting)Parents: Victor & Jacki BishopSiblings: April BishopProject Proud paper: Battle of the Schools (Toys for Tots)

Susan NickersonTippecanoe Valley High School

Activities:Student Council, Youth GroupHobbies:ReadingFuture College: UndecidedMajor: NursingParents: Joe & Laura NickersonSiblings: Austin NickersonProject Proud paper: Covered by Love

Hannah WanemacherTriton High School

Activities:Volleyball,Basketball, Tennis, NHS, DECA, Art Club, Spirit Club, Science Club, SADD, Office WorkerHobbies: Sports, shopping, friendsFuture College: Indiana Wesleyan, Grace Major: UndecidedParents: Jeff & Kim WanemacherSiblings: Bryce WanemacherProject Proud paper: Parkview Hospital Children’s Wing

Lacey HelfersWawasee High School

Activities: Youth Group, 4-H, Junior Leaders, TheatreHobbies:Reading, artFuture College: UndecidedMajor: Visual Arts Education, Minor: Theatre Production & Design Parents: Jeff & Michelle HelfersSiblings: Ashley & Leina HelfersProject Proud paper: Feed MyStarving Children

Madison O’ConnellTippecanoe Valley High School

Activities:Kosciusko Cares, 4-H, FCA, Junior Leaders, Student CouncilHobbies: Softball, reading, volunteeringFuture College: Purdue Major: EngineeringParents: Andrew & Deb O’ConnellProject Proud paper: Bears for Blue

Jacqueline WerstlerWhitko High School

Activities: Student Council, Tennis, NHS, Art Club, 4-HHobbies: Reading Future College: Ball StateMajor:ArchitectureParents: Scott & Rita WerstlerSiblings: Thomas, Robert & Andrea WerstlerProject Proud paper: Whitko Booster Club

Courtney JenningsTriton High School

Activities:Volleyball,Basketball,Softball, FFA, NHS, Art Club, Science Club, Spirit Club, SADD, 4-HHobbies: Sports, working out, friendsFuture College: Ball State Major: NursingParents: Scott & Staci JenningsSiblings: Mallorie & Hannah JenningsProject Proud paper: Bre’s Run

Meredith PhippsWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities: Cross Country, Unified Track, Student Council, Choir, Student Health TeamHobbies: Writing, reading, guitar, song writing, fitnessFuture College: Barnard CollegeMajor: EnglishParents: Chad & Jeanne PhippsSiblings: Harrison PhippsProject Proud paper: Buddy Benches

Baylee WileyLakeland Christian Academy

Activities:Volleyball, TheatreHobbies:Running, working out, friendsFuture College: undecidedMajor: UndecidedParents: Scott & Deb WileyProject Proud paper: Cats andCookies

Jasmin JuarezWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities:CommunityVolunteer, NHSHobbies:Reading, running, friendsFuture College: Grace Major: NursingParents: Araceli & Meliton JuarezSiblings: Juan, Anayeli & Karina JuarezProject Proud paper: Pathways to Higher Education

Claire RichWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities: FCA, Cross CountryHobbies:Running, church, art, writingFuture College: UndecidedMajor:UndecidedParents: David & Candace RichSiblings: Lucille & Audrey RichProject Proud paper:Buddy Benches

Eric WilliamsonWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities: Cross Country, Track, ENL, Youth Group, FCA, Student Council, Octagon Club, Armadadillo BandHobbies: Running, reading, friendsFuture College: Purdue, Georgia Tech, Michigan UniversityMajor: Aerospace EngineeringParents: Glen & Laurie WilliamsonSiblings: Emily WilliamsonProject Proud paper: Hoosiers Helping Hundreds

Alex KoontzWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities:Soccer, Track, Travel Soccer, FCA Hobbies: Soccer, Netflix, friendsFuture College: Ohio University, PurdueMajor: Physical TherapyParents: Matt & Tracy KoontzSiblings: Dayne & Corissa KoontzProject Proud paper: HoosiersHelping Hundreds

Emma RossTriton High School

Activities:Volleyball, Tennis, Science Club, Spirit Club, NHS, SADD, Art Club, Youth GroupHobbies: Shooting clays, volleyball, kids churchvolunteerFuture College: Indiana University, ButlerMajor: UndecidedParents: Robert & Kelley RossSiblings: Marissa RossProject Proud paper: ParkviewHospital Children’s wing

Samuel YeagerWarsaw Community High SchoolActivities: ElementaryBasketball Coach, FCA, Golf, Youth GroupHobbies: Ping Pong, Ultimate Frisbee, Basket-ball, GolfFuture College: Indiana Wesleyan or Naval AcademyMajor: Business RelatedParents: Steve & Megan YeagerSiblings: Rachel, Jack, Faith & CarolineYeager; Julia & Seth HildebrandProject Proud paper: HoosiersHelping Hundreds