Here are some comments from a few members of the first Youth Council.

“It was a privilege to serve on the first Watertown Community Foundation Youth Council. The council introduces its members to the importance of lifelong philanthropy and empowers them to recognize deserving youth programs with grant funds. The experience taught me the importance of giving back to our community’s youth programs, many of which I had benefited from at one time or another. It drove home the principle of giving back and giving to others which has stuck with me to this day.”

— Kristen Henderson, Minneapolis, MN

2001-02 WCF Youth Council Vice President

2002-03 WCF Youth Council President

 

 

“It was a great experience to be part of the first Youth Council in Watertown. The experience of giving back to your community as a high school student is big. It taught me at a young age that it is very important not only to give back to the community, but to utilize organizations like the Foundation in order to help others and improve our community.”

—Kelsey (Likness) Raml, Watertown

 

 

“It was a great first taste of the nonprofit world. We also got to taste the commitment people have in the nonprofit sector. I remember how grateful those grant recipients were, too. The Youth Council gives young people a great experience, not only in leadership but a real learning experience. You learn there is a bigger picture out there. You learn there are a lot of ways to serve and help your community and those around you – whether it’s a job, being a volunteer or however you find ways to do that.”

—AJ Franken, NeSoDak & Klein Ranch