Students who serve on the youth philanthropy boards (YPBs), one in each of Delaware’s three counties, learn about philanthropy and effective grantmaking, study youth issues in their neighborhoods and schools, solicit grant proposals from local nonprofit organizations seeking to impact identified issues, make site visits to see organizations’ programs at work and award grants to those they determine to be most deserving. Retired Delaware educator Phyllis Wynn established the Youth Philanthropy Fund because she wanted to encourage youth to become more involved in philanthropic ventures. Students who serve on the YPB are nominated by their principal or guidance counselor.

“I am delighted that we have such a highly qualified group of young people representing a variety of high schools in Sussex County,” said Hugh D. Leahy Jr., senior vice president for southern Delaware for the Delaware Community Foundation, who oversees the YPB programs in Kent and Sussex counties. “We believe this group of upperclassmen will have a rewarding and challenging experience learning about community needs and making grants to benefit causes important to them.”

At their opening session, Sussex County’s YPB members heard about the importance of philanthropy from Gene Dvornick, town manager of Georgetown, who was recently recognized as town manager of the year by the Delaware League of Local Governments. He is active in many civic and charitable organizations including the Milton Volunteer Fire Company, Milton Historical Society, Rehoboth Beach Film Society, First State Community Action Agency and Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club, among others.

Members of this year’s Sussex County Youth Philanthropy Board include Abigail Adkins, senior, Sussex Technical High School; Casey Bellamy, senior, Delmar High School; Sarah Betts, senior, Delmarva Christian High School; Molly Cain, junior, Seaford High School; Michael Cherrix, senior, Seaford High School; Kathleen Cramer, junior, Indian River High School; Chris Cutsail, senior, Laurel High School; Philip Gordon, senior, Delmarva Christian High School; Jordyn Gum, junior, Delmarva Christian High School; Kate Hickman, senior, Indian River High School; Michael Horton III, senior, Indian River High School; Zachery Judy, senior, Woodbridge High School; JinAh Lee, junior, Sussex Central High School; Lee Mayer, senior, Seaford High School; Olivia McDonald, senior, Cape Henlopen High School; Kate Mullett, junior, Woodbridge High School; Seth Rachocki, junior, Delmar High School; Sierra Spicer, senior, Laurel High School; Casey Thomas, junior, Sussex Technical High School; Jessica Tylor, senior, Indian River High School; and Maggie White, junior, Sussex Central High School.

Advisors for this year’s board include Chairwoman Judith R. Warrington, thought partner for Vision 2015; Linda L. Chick, owner, Chick Harness and Supply Inc.; and Richard and Lee Wheeler, owners of Interiors for You.