OCCF Youth Council ready to launch

Osborne County Community Foundation is excited to announce the members of its inaugural Youth Council for the 2026-2027 year. Representing each of Osborne County's five communities, these student leaders will play an important role in helping shape the future of philanthropy and community engagement in Osborne County.

The OCCF Youth Council was created to provide local students with hands-on experience in philanthropy, leadership, and community service. Throughout the coming year, council members will learn about charitable giving and grantmaking, represent OCCF at community events, help promote a culture of generosity across Osborne County, and serve as ambassadors for youth involvement in community improvement efforts.

In addition, Youth Council members will work together to identify, develop, and complete a countywide project designed to make a positive impact across Osborne County. Through collaboration, volunteerism, and leadership development, students will gain valuable experience while helping strengthen the communities they call home.

OCCF is excited to invest in the next generation of leaders and looks forward to seeing the ideas, energy, and enthusiasm these students bring to the program.

Meet the 2026-2027 OCCF Youth Council

Kimber Barfield

Community Represented: Alton

School: USD 392 Osborne High School

Grade: Sophomore

Kimber is excited to learn more about philanthropy and how community members can work together to create positive change.

"Philanthropy helps those in need and allows members of the community to pursue their ideas to better our community for all of us."

Kassidy Heller

Community Represented: Portis

School: USD 392 Osborne High School

Grade: Sophomore

Through her participation, Kassidy hopes to help strengthen the connections that make small communities special while learning more about how philanthropy can support local needs and opportunities.

"I feel that small towns have a unique type of philanthropy where neighbors helping neighbors is something that goes back for many generations."

Treyton Geisler

Community Represented: Downs

School: USD 272 Lakeside High School

Grade: Junior

Treyton is looking forward to learning more about community leadership and the role philanthropy plays in making a lasting difference.

"Philanthropy to me means helping without expecting to get anything in return."

Hadley Bland

Community Represented: Natoma

School: USD 399 Natoma

Grade: Freshman

Hadley is eager to collaborate with fellow students from across Osborne County and contribute ideas that can make a positive impact in her community.

"Serving on the Youth Council would give me an opportunity to work with other teens, share ideas, and hopefully make a positive difference in the Natoma community."

Kirsten Mans

Community Represented: Osborne

School: USD 392 Osborne High School

Grade: Freshman

Kirsten is excited to become more involved in local philanthropy and contribute to projects and initiatives that benefit her community and the people who call it home.

"I want to make my community a better place and help people."

The 2026-2027 Youth Council represents an exciting new chapter for the Osborne County Community Foundation. By engaging students in philanthropy today, OCCF hopes to inspire a lifelong commitment to community service, leadership, and giving.