Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC)

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

Step Into Mishawaka’s History with Shoe City

Mayor Wood and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) unveiled their latest Leadership Project, “Shoe City.” The project celebrates Mishawaka’s rich industrial heritage as the home of the iconic Red Ball Jet shoe and honors the city’s longstanding legacy in shoe manufacturing.
Planning for Shoe City began in 2024 and was made possible through the students’ crowdfunding efforts. The MYAC raised more than $63,000 from local businesses, private donors, and organizations. A part of those contributions was matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and the Patronicity Program, bringing the total project funding to nearly $100,000
The completed project features a series of 4-foot-by-6-foot Red Ball Jet-inspired shoes installed throughout the city. Each sculpture includes a QR code that shares the history of the Ball-Band and its lasting impact on Mishawaka, creating an interactive experience for residents and visitors while celebrating the community’s unique history.

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.

2025 Food Drive

This November, Mishawaka showed the power of giving back.

Students from the Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood Youth Advisory Council packed and delivered food boxes to local families and veterans—turning a simple food drive into something truly meaningful.

As one student said, “this year’s food drive had the most donations, and we are helping families more than ever before!”

These young leaders didn’t wait for someone else to act—they stepped up. MYAC hand-delivered Thanksgiving boxes to Mishawaka families, veterans, and neighbors who could use a little extra help this season.

That’s the Mishawaka Way: caring, serving, and leading with a heart.

Thank you to every student, parent, donor, and partner who made it happen. We’re proud of you, MYAC!

Join the MYAC for their end of the year final leadership project!

Our officers

Parker Norris. — Parker Norris
MYAC Alumni Volunteer
Parker Norris is a former member and President of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (2016-2018). As a longtime Mishawaka resident, Parker prides himself in maintaining connections with the local community and empowering youth to be the best versions of themselves. When not assisting the MYAC, Parker works as a videographer in the Mishawaka/South Bend region.

MYAC Member, Brock Foster — Brock Foster
President
Brock is a junior at Mishawaka High School who is graduating early this year. This is Brock’s second year with MYAC. He enjoys historical documentaries and spending time with his family. He looks forward to learning more about Mishawaka and the people who help strengthen our community. Brock is looking forward to serving as President this year!

MYAC Member, Claire Walczak — Claire Walczak
Vice President
Claire is a junior at Marian High School and has been part of MYAC for two years. She enjoys soccer, spending time with friends, babysitting, and working at Mishawaka Public House. She looks forward to learning more about local government, leadership, and her community. Claire is excited to take on the role of Vice-President this year!

MYAC Member, Noah Sullivan — Noah Sullivan
Secretary
Noah is a junior at Marian High School and has been part of MYAC for two years. He plays football and rugby, enjoys ice skating, and spending time with friends. He looks forward to learning more about local government and his community. Noah is looking forward to serving as the Secretary this year!

MYAC Member, Esther Kamau — Esther Kamau
Treasurer
Esther is a junior at Mishawaka High School and is in her second year of MYAC. She enjoys volleyball, cheerleading, and reading. She looks forward to learning more about our community partners. Esther is excited to step in to the role of Treasurer this year!

MYAC Member, Brynn Micinski — Claire Walczak
Communications Coordinator
Brynn is a senior at Marian High School and has been part of MYAC for two years. She enjoys reading, baking, sports, and traveling. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the community and learning more about the people who help make Mishawaka a great place to live. Brynn has already taken on the responsibilities of Communications Coordinator and is looking forward to this year!

MYAC Member, Andrew Rimelspach — Andrew Rimelspach
Mayor's Liaison
Andrew Rimelspach, known to most as AJ, is a senior at Penn High School where he’s actively involved in rugby, baseball, and several student clubs. Passionate about helping others, AJ is a strong advocate for people feeling happy, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. As a member of the Executive Committee, he’s excited to help lead the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council to new heights. In his free time, AJ enjoys being with friends and family and meeting new people. Looking ahead, he plans to major in civil engineering, with potential minors in government and business.

Donovan Ligier, Intern, Mayor's Office — Donovan Ligier
Intern, Mayor's Office
Donovan is a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying Political Science. He represents Morrissey Hall in student government and is a member of Notre Dame’s club squash team. He enjoys gaining experience in civic engagement and research and is excited to support MYAC this year.

Our current council

The current council comprises students from Mishawaka High School, Penn High School, and Marian High School.

Cecilia Bonadies
Allison Callan
Addison Compton
Marwan Farhan
Brock Foster
Vincent Gruber
Stephen Haughee
Esther Kamau
Matthew Macheca
Sullivan Mammolenti
Abhijay Masetty
Nicholas Matzke
Jordan Mauro
Maddox McClain
Brynn Micinski
Malika Mosley
Avery Normandin
Jayden Ortiz
Harsh Patel
Charity Pruitt
Akshathaa Raman
Andrew Rimelspach
Sophia Scott
Dakoda Shannon
Maelyn Strohkirch
Noah Sullivan
Reid Sutherland
Annie Verslype
Mollie Verslype
Rebecca Wagman
Claire Walczak
Hayden Walters
Daniel Williams
Daniel Zartman