08/29/2026
YELA 2026: Government & Graduation Day!
On Thursday, August 20, the Woodbury Community Foundation hosted the fifth and final session of the Youth Engagement Leadership Academy (YELA) 2026
Our final session focused on Government & Graduation Day, where students learned about local and state government from an amazing group of community leaders, including Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt, Council Member Steve Morris, Washington County Commissioner Stan Karwoski, Representative Shelley Buck (District 47A), and Senator Amanda Hemmingsen Jaeger (District 47).
Students also stepped into the role of local leaders during a Mock Student Council, debating a real proposal that had come before the Woodbury City Council:
*Should residents be allowed to keep backyard chickens on standard residential lots?
It was an exciting opportunity for students to practice civic engagement, listen to different perspectives, and experience what it takes to make decisions in local government.
We are incredibly proud of how engaged, thoughtful, and attentive this year’s YELA students were throughout all five sessions. As part of their experience, students wrote essays reflecting on what they learned through YELA and how it would influence their lives in the future.
After a difficult decision, the Rebholz family selected Sam Tracy, Katelyn Harvieux, and Kassah Coleman to each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Congratulations!
Congratulations to the entire YELA Class of 2026! Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment made this year so special.
And a heartfelt Thank you to all of our wonderful speakers, volunteers, and community partners who helped make all five sessions possible. We are so grateful for everyone who invested their time and knowledge in the next generation of community leaders.
Read more about the Mock City Council experience through Woodbury NewsNet.
