Youth Advisory Council

Kentucky Child Now is committed to modeling youth involvement within our own organization and creating opportunities for young people to be involved in meaningful roles within their school, community and youth-services.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is made up of fifteen youth, ages 13-24, from all across the state. The YAC members work with the Board of Directors on decisions and policies that impact Kentucky's youth; they provide leadership for the annual Great Kids Summit; they participate in state and local community service projects; and they promote youth involvement in their school and community. Members are recruited every August through an application process.

( click on names for bio )

OFFICERS

Chair
Glenn L. Means III
Montgomery Co.

Vice-Chair
Sarai Phelps
Ohio Co.

Secretary
Leah Bishop
Kenton Co.

MEMBERS

Emily Baker
Logan Co.

Kim Baker
Fayette Co.

Miranda Beggin
Kenton Co.

Jessica Fritz
Mason Co.

Alexandra Jenkins
Trigg Co.

Kali Mattingly
Boyd Co.

Dominique Norris
Scott Co.

Anna Thomas
Fayette Co.

Katie Tyson
Logan Co.

Rebecca Wente
Carter Co.

Kyle Williams
Fayette Co.

Emily Baker
Logan Co.

Emily Baker is a 13 year old home schooled student. Emily lives with her parents, Chuck and Donna Baker, and her 14 year old brother, Adam, in a small community called Oakville located between Adairville, Kentucky and Russellville, Kentucky. She enjoys softball, sewing, and reading. Emily is involved in 4–H and especially likes the Speech and Demonstration program. She has won at local and area levels and participated in state events. Emily also volunteers at Logan County Public Library where she is an L.I.T. or Leader in Training, helping with story time and other children’s events. Her favorite subject in school is math and she would like to be a teacher when she finishes college.

This is Emily’s first year on the YAC and is anxious to learn all she can, so that she may use what she learns to help the youth of Kentucky.
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Kim Baker
Fayette Co.

Kim, a 17 year–old mother, is working hard to complete her high school education. Battling the stereotypes which often accompany young mothers, Kim is focusing on both her beautiful son as well as her future. She loves to read, listen to music, and spend time with the most important person in her life – her son. Kim is also part of the New Leaf Project, a job training program for young mothers.

As a young mother, Kim brings a different perspective to the KCN Youth Advisory Council. Because she has the responsibility for caring for her son, she has to take everything she does into consideration. She has overcome a huge obstacle in her life and would love to be a resource for others to succeed in overcoming their obstacles; particularly those imposed by society. She is determined to fight stereotypes and discrimination and wants to help to create a unified community. Kim plans on attending Berea College after graduation.
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Miranda Beggin
Kenton Co.

Miranda Beggin is a 13 year old, eight grade student at Summit View Middle School in Independence, KY. Her favorite subjects are Science and Reading. She is very interested in the environment and is the president of my school student council. Miranda also started a recycling program at Summit View Middle School. She is working toward the goal of attending a prestigious college, to study environmental science.

Though this is Miranda’s first year as a Kentucky Child Now YAC member, she feels it is a great way to be involved outside of her school and community. Miranda can't wait to participate in all the great things Kentucky Child Now YAC members get to do.
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Leah Bishop
Kenton Co.

Leah Bishop is a 15 year old student at Dixie Heights High School in Villa Hills, KY. Her favorite subject is Earth Space Science. She spends most of her extra time playing volleyball. She also enjoys being outside and hanging out with her friends.

This is Leah’s second year on the YAC. "I enjoy serving on the YAC because it gives me a chance to be involved," said Leah.

Leah is looking forward to many memorable experiences during her service. She believes her greatest accomplishment is being herself. She hopes to attend Washington University, but is unsure what she will study.
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Jessica Fritz
Mason Co.

Jessica Fritz is a 14 year old student at Mason County Middle School in Maysville, KY, where she lives with her parents on a farm. She has an older sister, Ashley, who lives with her husband and daughter in Barbourville. Jessica’s favorite subject is Science. She is a member of the choir, Youth Group, Social Studies Club, and FCCLA Club. She is also a cheerleader and gymnast. She loves acting in plays, riding her four-wheeler, and hanging out with her best friend Jordan.

This is Jessica’s first year on the YAC. "I wanted to serve because I love meeting new people and helping others," said Jessica.

Her biggest accomplishments are being cast in "The Wizard of Oz" with Lexington Children’s Theater in 2005 and being chosen by KCN to serve on the council. In future, Jessica wants to be a pharmacist and will probably attend the University of Kentucky.
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Alexandra Jenkins
Trigg Co.

Alex Jenkins is a 17 year old senior at Trigg County High School in Cadiz, KY. She lives with her mother and two pets, a cat named Nala and a dog named Precious. Alex’s favorite school subjects are Multi Media and AP Spanish. She is highly involved in school clubs, including the Service Learning Youth Council, National Honor Society, 4–H Club, BETA Club, FBLA, S.A.D.D., and Odyssey of the Mind. She is the Youth Liaison for Relay For Life, a D.A.R.E. role model, a 5th grade 4–H Club Leader, and a non–voting member on the Cadiz City Council.

This is Alex’s second year on the YAC. She decided to serve another year because it is a learning opportunity, and a way of meeting new people. Alex enjoys serving on the YAC because it allows her to get her voice heard. Her most enjoyable experience so far was meeting Dr. Sroka and Liz Murray at the 2007 Great Kids Summit.

Alex has always given her best in school. Her proudest accomplishments include being a Governor’s Scholar, a 2008 honor graduate, a member of Cadiz City Council, and being named the Youth Liaison for Trigg County Relay For Life fight against cancer. Alex intends to study justice administration at the University of Louisville and someday be a legal advocate for children.
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Kali Mattingly
Boyd Co.

Kali Mattingly, age 15, is a sophomore at Boyd County High School in Ashland, KY. Kali enjoys performing in track, cross country, swim team, academic team, and canoeing. She also enjoys volunteering in her school and community. Kali has achieved the gold Presidential Service Award for the past two years for her service hours (2006- 174 hours, 2007- 252 hours).

Kali is active in her school's Key Club, and hopes to be its president by her senior year. She is part of a community improvement group called BCBKYCVS, of which she is Chair of the Spring Volunteer Skit Committee. The group has worked with elementary school students for the past few years, sharing the infectious spirit of volunteerism. Kali greatly appreciates the opportunity to reach out to more youth and help more of those in need by her involvement with Kentucky Child Now!
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Glenn L. Means
Montgomery Co.

Glenn L. Means III, 18 years old, attends Transylvania University, and is seeking a degree in Biology and English. Glenn is active in many organizations including three state youth councils- Kentucky Child Now Youth Council serving on the Board of Directors and Chair of the youth council; the SKY Youth Council; and the United States Public Service Academy Youth Council. Glenn also serves on two national boards including Do Something located in New York City, NY and America's Promise located in Washington D.C.

Glenn has received numerous awards for his community service involvement including: a Destiny Award for Most Outstanding Youth in KY from Kentucky Child Now; the Prudential Community of Spirit Awards- State High School Winner; Coca-Cola Scholar- One of 50 that received 20,000 dollars in scholarship; The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Male Youth Excellence Award; Rotary Community Service Award; S.E.R.V.E. Award; and numerous other accomplishments. Glenn is still active in his community and the Lexington area. Glenn plans on going to medical school to continue in his mission to help others.
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Dominique Norris
Scott Co.

Dominique lives in Georgetown with his father and mother, Gene and Barbara and his twin brother, Donovan. He is a freshman at Scott County Ninth Grade School where he was elected President of the Student Council. Dominique’s brother is Vice President of the Student Council. Dominique and his brother qualified and ran in the State Cross–Country championship race. They also run track. Last spring, Dominique placed 4th in the 100M hurdles and 6th in the 300M hurdles in the middle school state meet.

Dominique and his brother also love to dance, act and sing and sing duets at churches and in talent shows. They are very active in church and their community. Dominique enjoys public speaking and had the opportunity to be a guest speaker for the Scott County Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. His goal is to be an advocate and role model for the youth of his school, community and society and to make a positive contribution to a better world in the future.
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Sarai Phelps
Ohio Co.

Sarai Phelps is a 17 year old senior at Ohio County High School in Hartford, KY. She has an older brother, David, and a younger sister, Rebekah. Sarai and Rebekah live on a farm with their mom and step-dad. They share their home with nine horses! Sarai enjoys performing in the Ohio County High School Color Guard. She also loves to read and write, which comes in handy at her internship at the Times News. Sarai is involved in Spanish Club, BETA Club, and Natural Helpers. She is also the President of Future Educators of America, Secretary of the National Honors Society, Secretary of Rock, Paper, Scissors Club (a math oriented club), and Reporter for OC Drug Free.

This is Sarai’s first year of service on the YAC. She decided to join because she thought that getting involved on a state-wide level would be a good idea.

"I enjoy serving on the YAC because I love to be involved. I really like to help out with things, even if they are small tasks," said Sarai. So far, Sarai’s best memory is getting a chance to host a workshop at the Great Kids Summit in 2006.

Sarai’s greatest accomplishment is working for the newspaper. "I have dreamed about becoming a writer since I was a little girl, and now that I actually get to write a story for the newspaper every week... I couldn’t be more proud," said Sarai. She has already been accepted to attend Western Kentucky University this fall where she plans to study Print Journalism and Political Science.
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Anna Thomas
Fayette Co.

This is Anna’s second year on the Youth Advisory Council. She first learned about Kentucky Child Now! after her brother interned there. She also attended the Great Kids Summit in 2005 and had an amazing time.

"I enjoy serving on the YAC because I feel I can and will make a difference in the world. This is just one of the many baby steps I can do to make a difference in my state," said Anna. Anna’s most enjoyable experience on the YAC was becoming Vice Chair last year.

Anna’s greatest accomplishment has been participating in the planning for last year’s Great Kids Summit and having it turn out to be one of the best times in her life. Anna is undecided on where she will be attending college, but she hopes to major in Drama or Culinary Arts.
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Katie Tyson
Logan Co.

Katie Tyson is an 8th grade home schooled student. She is 13 years old and lives with her parents, Stephen and Debby Tyson, and her dog Buddy. Her family moved to Kentucky, from Pennsylvania, 3 years ago. She also has an older sister and a nephew that live in Florida.

Katie is very involved in many 4–H activities, a History Club and volunteering in several different ways. She works with the Shriners, Dream Riders (therapeutic horse riding), mentoring her peers, and has gone on a mission trip to Nicaragua. Some of Katie’s accomplishments are: she was accepted into the "Who’s Who Among Outstanding Middle School Students" two years in a row and was Kentucky Junior Historical Society Member of the year. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family, riding horses, and reading.

This is Katie’s first year on the YAC. She decided to apply when her 4–H agent told her about the council. Katie said, "I had no idea what I was getting into when I applied, I had never even heard about this organization, but now that I’m on the council. I’m glad to have this opportunity to affect the lives of the state’s kids and adults."
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Rebecca Wente
Carter Co.

Rebecca Wente is a freshman at East Carter High School in Grayson, Kentucky. She lives with her parents, Jeffrey and Janet, and pets, Calli, Skunk, and Casey. She also has an older brother, Ryan, who is currently attending Morehead State University. Rebecca’s favorite school subjects are English and Physical Science. She also enjoys playing the piano, volunteering in her community, working out, shopping, and working on her laptop. Rebecca is involved with FFA at her school. She is also an active member of Oak Grove Church of Christ.

This is Rebecca’s first year on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). She was first introduced to Kentucky Child Now! after her teacher nominated her for the 2005 Youth Advisory Council. Unfortunately, she did not make it, but decided to attend the 2006 Great Kids Summit.

"I really enjoyed attending the Great Kids Summit because it connected me with kids that had the same passion for volunteering as I do. It was great to hear all the inspirational speakers; they really lifted me up," said Rebecca.

Rebecca is happy to be serving on the council because she feels it is a good way to affect other youth in Kentucky. She is also grateful for the opportunities to help, that the YAC gives her.

The accomplishment that Rebecca is most proud of is receiving the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award.

"It took a lot of hard work and hours of service to earn this award, but it is so rewarding to be appreciated and recognized for my work," Rebecca said about the award.

Rebecca hopes to one day attend the University of Kentucky to study medicine.
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Kyle Williams
Fayette Co.

Kyle Williams is a 19 year old Communication major at the University of Kentucky and is proud to serve as one of the current YAC members. As the youngest of three children, Kyle is eager to be one of the first members of his family to graduate from college and plans to pursue work wit the International Olympic Committee.

Though new to the YAC and Kentucky Child Now organization, Kyle is no stranger to working with youth in his school, community, and part–time work as a camp staff member at J.M. Feltner 4–H Camp and children’s theatre workshop presenter. "The Kentucky Child Now YAC is an excellent opportunity to develop the youth of Kentucky; they are our future," Kyle says.

Kyle is a 2006 graduate from Pendleton County Memorial High School and participated in numerous school – and community–based volunteerism activities ranging from 4–H, Big Brothers/Big Sisters school–based program, student/junior/senior councils, professional musical theatre, Varsity Wildcat Mascot, and was the 2005–2006 State President of the Kentucky Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. Collegiate extra curricular activities in which he participates include Collegiate 4–H, Educators of Family and Consumer Sciences, FCCLA Alumni and Associates, and Hospitality Management Association. Throughout these various activities Kyle has had the opportunity to work with persons of all ages – toddlers to seniors – and enjoys serving others whenever possible.
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