As Thanksgiving approaches, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) is stepping up to serve families and Veterans of Mishawaka. Within the walls of City Hall, the MYAC’s efforts to make the holiday special highlights the shared dedication to making a difference in the Mishawaka community.
“Thanksgiving is a time for family and gratitude, but many people face challenges that make it difficult to enjoy this holiday,” said Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood. “What they do here makes a holiday special for them, and they should feel particularly proud of that.”
Mayor Dave Wood and his wife, Jaimi, are thankful they are able to provide meals to families and veterans in need. Over the years, the youth council has provided approximately 1,500 meals to families in need. This year, the MYAC prepared 75 meals. Later this week, the meals — which consist of canned vegetables, soups, stuffing, and more — will be distributed through community partners. Fifty meals will go to HealthLinc, while 25 will support local veterans at the VFW posts.
“With rising grocery costs and competition from various food drives, the MYAC’s success in gathering donations is commendable,” said Mayor Dave Wood. “Anytime we can have a direct or tangible impact on the lives of other people, it speaks volumes about the work we do.”
Since its inception, the MYAC has engaged over 175 participants, with 34 enthusiastic members currently involved. The MYAC is an opportunity open to high school students who live in or attend school in Mishawaka. MYAC comprises sophomores, juniors, and seniors who serve out a two-year term.
At the heart of this initiative, Mayor Dave Wood and his wife, Jaimi Wood ensure the program’s success by accepting nominations from Mishawaka school officials, coaches and community members. The students are accepted into the program based on academics, leadership, and community involvement. In turn, the students are taught about the municipal government and are tasked with completing a leadership project at the end of each school year.
“We wanted to activate our youth to do three things: give them an opportunity for community service, educate them about local government, and most importantly, develop their leadership,” said Mayor Wood.
The shared commitment to youth involvement shines through with the collaboration between the students and Mayor Dave and Jaimi Wood. As the MYAC continues to engage young leaders in Mishawaka, some of the MYAC students that exemplify the council’s mission through their unique projects and initiatives for the community.
Proshun Nishorgo, a Penn High School senior and former President of MYAC and recently appointed to MYAC to serve in the capacity as the Mayor’s Liaison. Nish’s current role enables him to facilitate communication between council members and the Mayor’s Office to help make future initiatives more impactful.
“Our goal is to improve the City of Mishawaka,” said Proshun. “Participating in local government encourages me to understand the city's services and their impact on our daily lives. I want to take everything I have learned and help shape Mishawaka into an even better community.”
Brianna Marable, a Marian High School student and member of the MYAC, shared her experience with the food drive this year. Marable Chaired the Food Drive Committee for her high school.
“I started to think about how I could give back to my community and help those that might not be able to get a meal to eat on the holiday with their families."
Marable invited her high school community to donate food or money to help support our initiative.
"Our food drive was successful. I realized that a little work can be taken a long way to help the community."
“It is hard for adults to visualize the impact that high schoolers can make,” said Ishita Masetty, a Penn High School junior and the MYAC Communications Coordinator. “Confidence is a big thing, especially in the 21st century. It is about pursuing whatever you wish and not letting anyone get in your way. Being a part of this council empowers us to believe in our abilities and take meaningful steps toward making a difference. An organization like MYAC, where we have our mayor’s support and our city’s backing, allows us to thrive in an environment that we would not be offered outside this community."
Ethan Cunningham-Gloster, a Mishawaka High School senior, learned that not everyone has the means to celebrate thanksgiving the way he and his family celebrate with a full Thanksgiving meal. Ethan shared this is his second year on the council and he enjoys delivering boxes to families. Ethan said “helping veterans is an extra bonus, as his great-grandfather served our country and fought in the Korean War”.
Arianna Rice, a Penn High School senior and President of the MYAC, shares the mission of the MYAC is to cultivate an environment where young voices are both heard and valued. The shared commitment to youth engagement shines through the council’s structure and activities, especially in the season of giving.
“Kids our age do not recognize the importance of us participating in a lot of food drives, whether that is at school, church, etc.,” said Masetty. “We are not able to be a part of the experience, but what MYAC offers as a unique aspect of its group is that we get to interact with the people we are helping. Not only does that leave an impact with us, but it enables us to broaden the scope of our thinking to appreciate what we are offered and what we can offer.”
For more information about MYAC and its mission in the Mishawaka community, visit the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council webpage.