We are excited to welcome next year’s Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) executive committee! As a youth-led committee, these six students are the leadership of YEP during the 2020-2021 year and together, will lead YEP into its 12th year. The committee begins with summer planning sessions to map out the member calendar including outreach events and meeting dates. While their duties may vary by committee position, their overall mission is the same -to enhance the quality of life for youth in DeKalb County.

Chair:

Meet Drew Donahoe, a senior at Sycamore High School. As chair, he is responsible for taking lead during regular member meetings and executive committee meetings. Other responsibilities include representing YEP during speaking opportunities in the community and attending/providing a quarterly report to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Fun facts: Drew enjoys hanging out and having fun with friends, playing oboe in the school band, and is a huge fan of midnight snacks!

“I’m excited to help lead YEP and make sure it’s as fun as it has been all the years that I’ve done it. I look forward to further improving my leadership skills to help give back to DeKalb County!”

Vice Chair:

Meet Alyssa Scudder, a senior at Indian Creek High School. As vice chair, she is responsible for taking lead during regular member meetings and executive committee meetings, assisting the chair and other executive members in his/her responsibilities, and chairing the YEP 2.Pro committee meetings. Other responsibilities include attending and providing a quarterly report to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Fun facts: Alyssa’s favorite color and scent is lavender. She has an amazing cat named Peaches, is super organized, and likes to listen to country music.

“I look forward to seeing more youth in our county get involved in philanthropy as well as assist the YEP 2.Pro committee as it evolves this year. I also hope to improve communication between the proactive committee and the rest of YEP, as an opportunity to gain more involvement and pique interest.”

Grants Chair:

Meet Oliver Keicher, a sophomore at Sycamore High School. As grants chair, he is responsible for facilitating the announcement and distribution of grant availability, guidelines, and applications as well as taking lead on the April allocation meeting and grantmaking decisions. Other responsibilities include attending and providing a quarterly report to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Fun facts: In his free time, Oliver likes to listen to music, take photos, go on outside adventures with friends, and bake tasty treats. In his freshman year he was part of the golf team, track team, and Orchesis. He has a younger brother and an older sister (Emma was a 3 year YEP member).

“I look forward to volunteering at outreach events, making new friends on the executive committee, and giving money to nonprofit organizations. I hope we can continue to improve YEP from its already great foundation.”

Outreach Chair:

Meet Maggie Roberts, a junior at Somonauk High School. As outreach chair, she is responsible for coordinating outreach/volunteer events, communication, and is lead on recruitment efforts for YEP. Other responsibilities include attending and providing a quarterly report to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Fun facts: Outside of YEP, Maggie plays basketball, sings in choir, and is part of the Somonauk student council. She has two brothers and one sister. Her older brother Liam will be a freshman in college, her sister Ella will be in fourth grade, and her twin brother Brendan will be a junior in the fall.

“I am very excited to get to know the other YEP members and I am ready to find new outreach events for everyone! I hope to improve upon my public speaking and continue to use my drive to change and improve our community.”

Membership Chair:

Meet Ava Polz, a junior at Sycamore High School. As membership chair, she is responsible for tracking member attendance and participation during the year, along with taking minutes during executive committee meetings. Other responsibilities include member communication, thanking guest presenters, and attending/providing a quarterly report to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Fun facts: In her free time, Ava enjoys listening to music or taking her dog for walks. Her favorite colors are purple and grey. She has one older sister, Emalyn, who will be a freshman at Iowa State in the fall.

“I look forward to heightening my YEP experience, increasing my leadership skills, and getting closer to the other members.”

Donor Relations & Fundraising Chair:

Meet Mason Dukes, a senior at Sycamore High School. As donor relations & fundraising chair, he is responsible for coordinating donor asks in the community and taking lead on all fundraising efforts for YEP. Other responsibilities chairing the fundraising committee, writing and distributing donor thank you cards, and providing a quarterly report to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Fun facts: Mason is a die-hard fan of anything Disney-related, a lover of all things Parks and Rec and the Office, enjoys roller coasters, and says he has a slightly unnatural obsession with the season of Christmas and everything that includes. He is heavily involved in the school’s SpartanTV, including programming and lighting for school productions. He is also a swimmer for the DHS-SHS swim team. A fun and random fact is that his family unofficially holds the title of “largest calico cat in DeKalb County” and would be glad to show you a photo if you’d like to see her.

“I look forward to working with my fellow members who want to be involved in fundraising for YEP, as well as learning about the aspects and challenges of fundraising from a leadership perspective. I hope to learn new ways in which I can build upon my current skill set to be an even better leader to those around me.”