The Legacy Youth Alliance congratulates its three 2021 high school graduates, Alex Babcock of Pekin, Hayden Short of Ottumwa, and Allison Walker of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (EBF).
Alex Babcock heads to Indian Hills Community College to begin work towards her dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher. When reflecting on her time as a member of the Legacy Youth Alliance, she said, “It was very eye-opening and such a great opportunity. I had so much fun meeting new people and enjoyed picking who received the grants because we knew where it was going would help people and the priorities that we saw for the community. It was awesome to know that my opinions mattered.” She also credits the Legacy Youth Alliance, which brings together high school students from Ottumwa, Cardinal, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, and Pekin school districts, with helping her come out of her shell by meeting other area students.
One of those area students she met was Ottumwa’s Hayden Short. Hayden will be attending the University of Iowa as a Biomedical Science Major with a minor in Spanish. Hayden’s studies will focus on the Pre-Med Track. When asked what her favorite grant award was as a member of the Youth Alliance, she couldn’t pick just one. “I loved helping to fund different aspects of the Corinthians House, the mental health resources in the Cardinal School District, and Rocket Closet,” she said. To see a complete list of past grants awarded by the Legacy Youth Alliance, click here.
EBF’s Allison Walker joins Babcock and Short as a 2021 graduate. Allison is creative by nature. She found that she loved videography as part of the 4-H Reporters Program at the 2018 Iowa State Fair. As part of the program, she created a short film selected for the Film Lounge: Student Challenge by Iowa Public Television, the Iowa Arts Council, and Produce Iowa. Thanks to dual-enrollment opportunities, Allison also graduated from Indian Hills Community College with her associate’s degree in May. Walker heads to the University of Iowa in the Fall as a double major in Mass Media/Journalism and Music.
Amy Nossaman, Legacy Foundation Grants Program Manager, oversees the Alliance. “I am always sad when the seniors leave, but know that the next group will be just as awesome,” she said. Members of the Legacy Youth Alliance are dedicated to using education, volunteerism, and grant-making to develop leadership skills, act as role models, and improve the communities in Wapello County. Members of the Legacy Youth Alliance have the opportunity to engage in fun activities and leadership-building exercises – all while making a significant difference in their communities. Students interested in participating can contact Nossaman at anossaman@ottumwalegacy.org for more information.
