Youth Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 Celebrates Graduation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Annabelle Schweiger, Marketing and Communications Manager

Annabelle@baycityarea.com

989.893.4567

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 13, 2026

 Youth Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 Celebrates Graduation

BAY CITY, MI – The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly celebrated the graduation of the Youth Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 on Thursday, April 9, at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center.

The ceremony recognized a group of outstanding high school juniors from across Bay County who successfully completed the Youth Leadership Bay County program, an initiative designed to develop leadership skills, increase community awareness, and inspire future civic and business leaders.

The Youth Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 included:

• Lauryn Bitzer, John Glenn High School
• Donté Briggs, Bay City Academy
• Izabelle Czuba, Central High School
• Owen Dominowski, Western High School
• Allison Fork, Pinconning High School
• Fatima Hussein, Western High School
• Ryan Marciniak, Central High School
• Franciso Munoz, Tri-County Trades High School
• Caroline Pardo, Tri-County Trades High School
• Jack Podsiad, Western High School
• Brynn Poirier, Garber High School
• Parker Ramsay, Pinconning High School
• Mylie Reder, Western High School
• Elijah Reinbold, John Glenn High School
• Alana Sautter, Garber High School
• Valentino Solano, John Glenn High School
• Karson Thompson, Bay City Academy
• Annabelle Warner, John Glenn High School
• Natalya Ziolkowski, Central High School

Throughout the program, students participated in immersive monthly sessions focused on key sectors including government, business, healthcare, and community development. In addition to these experiences, students completed Community Impact Projects, partnering with local nonprofit organizations to address real community needs through volunteerism and service.

“YLBC continues to play an important role in shaping the future of our community,” said Magen Samyn, President & CEO of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. “These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, service, and growth. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see how they continue to make a difference.”

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation extends a special thank you to Financial Plus Credit Union, the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Graduation Ceremony, for their support of youth leadership development in Bay County.

Youth Leadership Bay County is a program of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is committed to investing in the next generation of leaders by connecting students with local industries, community leaders, and service opportunities.