It’s that bittersweet time of year again when high school seniors end one chapter of their lives and start a new one. The Otsego Community Foundation will say goodbye to the following YAC seniors — Emma Glasby, Ava Shultz, Rosemary Cruz, and Aiden Yaske*, who will be missed and whose service is greatly appreciated. Best of luck to you all!
Emma Glasby
What are your plans for next year?
After high school my plan is to go to Grand Valley State University to get a degree in education and business. I plan to use this to one day become a teacher or start a business.
What is the biggest impact YAC has had on you?
The biggest impact YAC has had on me was being comfortable and confident enough to use my own voice. Being around such a welcoming group made my experience so much better. YAC has taught me to speak up about what I believe in and the change I want to see. YAC has taught me that we are capable of making change within a community if one is needed. This has shown me the importance of making an impact through grant-making and continuing to support nonprofit organizations. Overall, YAC was a great experience for me for the past 5 years and I will always use what YAC has taught me.
Ava Shultz
What are your plans for next year?
I am planning to attend Grand Rapids Community College to play volleyball and study Sports Medicine.
What is the biggest impact YAC has had on you?
The biggest impact YAC has had on me is just involving me in my community. Before I joined, I had no idea what was going on in Gaylord and I wasn’t very interested in any of the events, but since I have joined, I am now an active member of my community and I know that what I say matters and I can impact Gaylord. YAC also helped me become more confident in myself and to problem solve real world situations. It felt very empowering to be treated like an adult and have a say in what goes on in our community. I loved being a part of YAC and I would encourage any high schoolers to become involved as well.
Rosemary Cruz
What are your plans for next year?
I’m planning on attending Michigan State University in the fall. I’ll be studying for premed and majoring in biology. I am so excited for this next chapter!
What is the biggest impact YAC has had on you?
Being a part of YAC has shown me that my voice, and the voices of my peers, are very powerful. Within the past four years I’ve seen the grants we’ve given and service projects we’ve taken part in have direct effects on the community. YAC isn’t just some ideas sitting on a whiteboard in the library, YAC is real change for the better for the youth of Otsego. I will always be so thankful for being a part of this group and having my passions reignited by being able to have real impact in the community.
*Not pictured