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
Mayor Dave Wood’s 14th Youth Advisory Council Sworn In at September 9th Common Council Meeting
City of Mishawaka Welcomes MPD Police Applicant Jamie L. Sterling
Mayor Dave Wood’s Youth Advisory Council to be Sworn In Tonight at 6 PM
City of Mishawaka to Launch Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) on Wednesday, September 11th
Saddle up and mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual B100 and Mishawaka Parks & Recreation Country Fest with Flat Rock Grill on Saturday, October 5th!
Sarah Hildebrandt Parade
Mishawaka Fire Department Open House
John Roggeman Sworn in as City of Mishawaka Corporation Counsel
A notable occasion, the swearing-in of Alex Arendt as the new Chief of Police for the Mishawaka Police Department (MPD)
Resource Guide for Residents Affected by the Autumn Lakes Apartment Fire in Mishawaka
Remembering Dan Bilancio, a dedicated and beloved member of the Mishawaka community
Celebrating Leadership and Legacy: The Transition of Mishawaka Police Department and Code Enforcement Leadership
Today, August 27th is an Air Quality Action Day in our region for Ozone
Grateful Citizen Expresses Appreciation for Professionalism and Kindness of MPD Officers
MPD Recruits LaFluer, Peak and Spaid were sworn in as Probationary Patrol Officers
Mayor Wood Announces the Retirement and Reassignment of MPD Chief Ken Witkowski
MPD announces the Retirement of Investigative Division Chief Dan Gebo
2024 Community Impact Report
Mayor Dave Wood Seeks The Community’s Feedback!
Project Cool your engines…Child Safety Initiative as Kids Return to School
City of Mishawaka Welcomes AmeriCorps NCCC Team for Ecological Restoration Along the Riverwalk
Mishawaka Native Sarah Hildebrandt Wins Gold At The Paris Olympics
National Night Out: Smiles For The Mishawaka Police Department!
Celebrating Inclusion: Plans of Mishawaka’s Miracle Field
The St. Joseph County Housing Consortium Resident Survey is Open
NBA Player Devin Cannady Inspires Mishawaka’s Youth
Jill Norton Sworn in as Mishawaka Utilities Wastewater Division Manager
Lemonade And Conversation With Mayor Dave Wood During Front Porch Friday!
Mishawaka Common Council Approves Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Ordinance
Mishawaka Common Council DORA Informational Meeting Recap
The Vital Importance of Mishawaka Utilities and Our Precious Water Supply
Making Utility Payments Easier with Mishawaka Utilities Online Services
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in Ironworks Plaza Within Downtown Mishawaka
W. Seventh St (West St to Spring St) Road Closure (7/16-9/13)
Join The Mishawaka Fire Department For A Hiring Seminar!
E. Dragoon Trail – Road Closure (7/16-8/2)
The Mishawaka Police Department Is Proud To Honor Two New Officers!
Celebrate The Newly Remodeled Historic Rose Park!
Upcoming: Grand-Reopening of Rose Park!
Media Alert: Grand Reopening and Ribbon-Cutting Celebrating Rose Park!
The Mishawaka Fire Department Is Proud of Their Newest Promotions!
Notice of Availability of the 2025 Application for CDBG Funding
Independence Day Is Approaching, And So Is Mishawaka’s Iconic Firework Show!
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)
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
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
Mayor Dave Wood Youth Advisory Council
Krista Neighbour
Email: krista.neighbour@mishawaka.in.gov
Phone: 574-258-1601
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