Mayor Dave Wood Youth Advisory Council
The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) is open to high school students who live in or attend school in Mishawaka, Indiana. Students are nominated to serve on the MYAC because of their academic excellence, leadership and community involvement they exhibit in their school and community. The council is comprised of sophomore, junior and seniors, who serve out a 2-year term.
What to expect
Students learn about municipal government, area businesses and participate in Mishawaka Parks Department and other City of Mishawaka activities that take place in our community. Students participate in a large community project in October and form committees to complete a Leadership Project at the end of each school year.
The Council meets monthly. In addition, the MYAC may attend events and activities related to their initiatives and responsibilities on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Our projects
Pocket Park
Mayor Wood and the MYAC cut the ribbon of their 2022 Leadership Project, the Mishawaka Pocket Park. The Pocket Park, which was conceptually designed by the MYAC, is a beautiful signature park in the heart of Mishawaka’s historical downtown.
Planning the pocket park began last fall and was made possible from the students’ crowdfunding efforts. Within only two months, the MYAC was able to raise over $50,000 from local businesses, private donors, and local organizations. These donations were matched by the State of Indiana’s Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and Patronicity Program, totaling $100,000.
MYAC Room
The City of Mishawaka moved their City Hall location from the former Bingham School at 600 E. Third Street to the former Liberty Mutual Building at 100 Lincolnway West. This large, brick structure was remodeled by the City to combine three previous municipal locations, all into one. City of Mishawaka Departments, the Mishawaka Utilities Business Office and the Mishawaka Police Department all now share this same address. Once the announcement of the new City Hall was made, Mayor Wood challenged the MYAC to create a space within it that the MYAC could call their own. With meetings to construct their ideas, the MYAC space came to life. This is now where the MYAC holds their monthly meetings.
Heroes Park
Heroes Park, formally known as Hums Park, is located on Mishawaka’s southeast side. The MYAC revitalized this park and specifically designed it for teenagers. This significant investment of $500,000 was a combination of City funds, grants from My Community My Vision and Patronicity grants, and donations of local sponsors. Visitors to the park can experience firsthand the thoughtful input of teenagers, evident in features like the Fitcore extreme obstacle course inspired by “American Ninja Warrior” and a ga-ga ball pit. Moreover, the park pays tribute to local individuals who have made an impact and remarkable contributions to Mishawaka, fostering a sense of community pride and appreciation. As the park continues to evolve with ongoing improvement projects, it remains a symbol of youth empowerment and civic collaboration in Mishawaka.
Join the MYAC for their end of the year final leadership project!
Our officers
Nishorgo Proshun
President
My name is Nishorgo Proshun and I am the President for the 2023-2024 MYAC. I attend Penn High School and I’m committed to improving my community for the better. When not doing Youth Council, I also do many other activities such as the IHCDA Youth Advisory Board, First Robotics Competition, NHS, and Penn Orchestras.
Patricia Kirk
Vice President
My name is Patricia Kirk and I am the Vice President for the 2023-2024 MYAC. I am a student at Mishawaka High School and attend the Elkhart Area Career Center for Education Professions. I am attending Bethel University in the fall to achieve my Masters in Education. I will also be a member of the Women’s Golf Team.
Brady Fisher
Secretary
My name is Brady Fisher and I am the Secretary for the 2023-2024 MYAC.I am currently a senior at Mishawaka High School. I am also a three-sport athlete and I participate in the National Honor Society and the Mishawaka Student Athletic Council. Next year, I plan to attend Mississippi State University, entering their School of Business. I am also the MHS Class of 2024 Salutatorian.
Audrey Wandling
Treasurer
My name is Audrey Wandling and I am the Treasurer for the 2023-2024 MYAC. I attend Mishawaka High School and participate in Mishawaka High School’s Marching and Pep Bands. This year I was Captain of Mishawaka’s Women’s Swim Team. I also swim year-round for Irish Aquatics.
Londyn DuVal
Communications Coordinator
My name is Londyn DuVal and I am the Communications Coordinator for the 2023-2024 MYAC. I am a sophomore at Penn High School and a competitive swimmer for Penn. I also love to spend time with my friends, family and our three dogs. I love feeling like part of my community and feeling like I am making a difference even though I’m young.
Parker Norris
Alumni Volunteer
My name is Parker Norris and I am the Alumni Volunteer for the 2023-2024 MYAC. I’m a graduate of Mishawaka High School and Indiana University. My involvement with the MYAC is to aid coordinators and students with social media, communication strategies, and continuing to serve as a leadership mentor for current members.
Our current council
The current council comprises students from Mishawaka High School, Penn High School, St. Joseph High School and Marian High School.
Ellie Adams
Liam Bauschke
Ty Caruso
Lydia Choi
Joel Cocquyt
Margaret Coppens-Clark
Ethan Cunningham-Gloster
Londyn DuVal
McKinzie Finn
Brady Fisher
Ava Fox
Kate Gradeless
Sophia Hoover
Prescott Horvath
Ellis Kaplan
Patricia Kirk
Payton Lorman
Alliana Marshall
Jo Jo Murphy
Landen Neighbour
Sheridan Pellico
Daniel Phillips
Josephine Phillips
Orianna Pierce
Nishorgo Proshun
Arianna Rice
Lydia Shely
Reagan Sutherland
Ian Szpisjak
Luke VanTornhout
Audrey Wandling
Anna Yoder
Awards
AIM Leadership Award
2022
Youth Advisory Council news
Upcoming: Grand-Reopening of Rose Park!
Mayor Dave Wood, July 2024, Veterans Walkway Communicator Article
Mishawaka Utilities Electric Division allows Behind the Meter Power Generation for Customers
The City of Mishawaka and Mishawaka Utilites Celebrate a Brill-iant Career!
Come To The BOOMING Independence Day Celebration!
This Summer Is A Hot One, But The Activities In Mishawaka Are Even Hotter!
The Mishawaka Fire Department Is Proud To Announce the Following Promotions!
N. Main St Lane Closure between McKinley Ave and Omer Ave (6/18)
N. Home St Closure between McKinley Ave and Day Rd (6/17-6/21)
Mishawaka Common Council DORA Informational Meeting Recap
Future Leaders Of Mishawaka Held A Mock Council Meeting
Congratulations to Two of the City of Mishawaka’s Finest Who Were Honored by the MEF today
Mishawaka Police Department Honors Officer Nathan DeVreese as Officer of the First Quarter 2024
Front Porch Friday With Mayor Wood Was A Success!
MFD Celebrates Notable Accomplishments from Amongst their Ranks
Traffic Alerts and NIPSCO Repair/Maintenance of their Pipeline will result in a Partial Southbound Lane Closure on 331
Mayor Wood Seeks Citizen Input Through Front Porch Friday
Media Alert: Front Porch Friday with Mayor Dave Wood
Housing Students Tenant Rights Educational Meeting
Common Council American Rescue Plan(ARP) Committee Information Meeting
Common Council Informational Session Regarding Proposed Casey’s Convenience Store at Douglas & Fir Road
17th Annual Indiana Fallen Officer Blood Drive
Mishawaka City Council Approves Electrical Rate Plan Increase
Veterans Walkway Buy-A-Brick Program
Notice to Taxpayers Regarding Addition Appropriation for ARP Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Grant
Notice to Taxpayers Regarding Additional Appropriation for Local Road and Bridge Matching Grant Fund
Vistula Rd and N. Charles St – Road Closure/Restriction (6/4-8/16)
Mishawaka Utilities Electric Division Comprehensive Rate Plan Designed to Balance the Needs of our Utility with the financial well-being of our ratepayers
Mishawaka Utilities Electric Rate Plan Summary
Notice of Executive Session of the Mishawaka Common Council Regarding Fire Wage Negotiations
Recap: Quality of Life Projects and City Enhancements
Dedication Ceremony of Veterans Walkway in Mishawaka
Annual Council Meeting Notice Update
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Grand Reopening of Crawford Park in Mishawaka: A Community Celebration
Mark Your Calendars! Mishawaka Memorial Day Parade Returns on May 27, 2024
Crawford Park – Grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly remodeled Crawford Park
Veterans Walkway – Grand opening and dedication of the newly constructed Veterans Walkway Memorial
MYAC Pocket Park Ribbon Cutting
Crawford Park Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening
Mayor Dave Wood Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) to Celebrate the Ribbon Cutting of “The Mish” Pocket Park
Juday Creek Water Treatment Plant Ribbon Cutting a Success
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Juday Creek Water Treatment Plant
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: 2024 Fallen Officer Memorial Service
Mishawaka Utilities Prioritizes Convenience and Accessibility for our Customers
Mishawaka Common Council Special Meeting on May 30, 2024 Regarding Electric Rates and Charges
Informational Meeting Regarding the Establishment of DORA on June 12, 2024
Informational Meeting Regarding Electric Rates and Charges on Thursday May 23, 2024
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in Ironworks Plaza Within Downtown Mishawaka
Proposal for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in Ironworks area of Mishawaka
Front Porch Friday: A Successful Gathering with Mayor Dave Wood
Mayor Dave Wood hosts Front Porch Friday
Honoring Workers Memorial Day
Mayor Dave Wood and City Clerk Deborah S. (Ladyga) Block to Host the National Workers Memorial Day Service of 2024
Unlocking the Power of Mishawaka Utilities: A Testament to Community Resilience
Assistant MFD Chief Josh Jester Named Recipient of 2024 Michiana Forty under 40 Award
Mishawaka Police Department Recognizes Pfc. Anthony Stachowiak and K9 Fradi as Officers of the Year
Mayor Dave Wood’s 2024 State of the City address a powerful message of continuity and progress
Mayor Dave Wood’s State of the City Executive Summary
Mishawaka’s commitment to building a vibrant, resilient, and prosperous community
Mishawaka Common Council Meeting on April 08, 2024
Mishawaka Fire Department Celebrates Retirement and Promotions
Congratulations to Battalion Chief Michael Croy on his well-deserved retirement!
City of Mishawaka State of the City Address State presented to the Common Council “Honoring the past, leading the present, shaping the future” Mayor David A. Wood
City of Mishawaka Spring Leaf Pick Up
Thank you, Captain Donnie Weber for your Dedicated Years of Service, with the MPD
Annexation Notice of Public Hearing
Ruth Lichnerowicz Retires After 26 Years of Exemplary Service to Mishawaka Utilities Electric Division
Proclamation Presented on behalf of the City of Mishawaka and Mayor Dave Wood to the University Park Mall for their 45th anniversary
Mayor Dave Wood Expresses Condolences for Dale Freeman
CITY OF MISHAWAKA COMMON COUNCIL HONORS ANTHONY “TONY” HAZEN FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE
Mishawaka Common Council Meeting on Monday March 18, 2024
Mishawaka Utilities is Ensuring the Health, Safety, and Prosperity of our Residents
Organic Resource and Household Hazardous Waste Center in Mishawaka will open for the 2024 season on Saturday, April 6
Manor Dr and Manchester Dr – Road Closures (3/5-7/5)
Mishawaka Common Council Meeting on March 04, 2024
E. Third St and Mill St – Road Closures (3/4-10/4)
Arbor Day Foundation Awards Recognition to Mishawaka Utilities as 2024 Tree Line USA Utility
Mishawaka Common Council Meeting for February 19, 2024 – CANCELLED
Mishawaka’s own MPD Chief Ken Witkowski in the news Presenting on 12-hour shifts at the West End (Councilman Woody Emmons) neighborhood meeting
The Mishawaka Fire Department is Excited to Announce the First Hiring Class of 2024
Mishawaka Police Department New, Innovative Staffing Model Positively Impacting Public Safety
Mishawaka Fire Department Save another Canine
Mishawaka Police Department Swears in Two New, Experienced Officers – Jeremy Coney and Joseph Milovich
Significant Progress Being Made on the Mishawaka Fieldhouse
Mishawaka Common Council Meeting on February 05, 2024
Mishawaka’s Finest, MPD, Take Time for an Amazing Citizen
Long time Public Servant George Obren Sworn in and will Serve on Mishawaka’s Board of Public Work’s and Safety
Blood Drive, Mishawaka City Hall
MFD Canine Ice River Rescue
Mishawaka Common Council Annual Meeting Notice Update
February Communicator Message from Mayor Dave Wood
Mayor Dave Wood Presents Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Outgoing Notre Dame President, with Key to the City of Mishawaka
Nine MFD Master Firefighters Promoted to Firefighter 1st Class
Mishawaka Fire Department Goes Above and Beyond
Elevating Emergency Medical Services Training: Mishawaka Fire Department Adopts iSimulate Realti 360 System for Advanced Evolutions
Frigid Temperature Precautions, Preparations and Impact on Trash and Recycling Pick Up
Mishawaka Police Department Adds two Experienced Officers to their MPD Ranks
Mishawaka Common Council Annual Meeting Notice
Mayor Dave Wood – Communicator Article Honoring Our Mishawaka Veterans
Mayor Dave Wood Youth Advisory Council
Krista Neighbour
Email: krista.neighbour@mishawaka.in.gov
Phone: 574-258-1601
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