Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Siri Bach Reflects on Impact of WACF Youth Council
- Steve Jurrens
- May 15
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - For Siri Bach, serving on the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s (WACF) Youth Council has been much more than an extracurricular activity—it has been a masterclass in community impact.
Bach originally joined the Youth Council with a simple desire to learn how to give back, inspired by the positive legacy the council has established over the years. What she found was a firsthand look at the intricate network of support that keeps Watertown thriving.
A Connection to Local Causes
One of the most defining aspects of Bach’s time on the council was the opportunity to review, evaluate, and award grants to local nonprofit organizations. It was through this process that she connected deeply with Watertown Cares’ mission, the nonprofit organization that operates the city’s emergency shelter.
“My favorite project that I’ve been able to learn about and award a grant to has been Watertown Cares,” Bach shared.
Through experiences like this, Bach developed a profound appreciation for the often-invisible safety nets within a community. “The greatest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of community and helping others,” she noted. “Youth Council has shown me how integral nonprofits are to making our community function and how our community shows up for one another.”
Next Steps: Athletics and Healthcare
As she prepares for her next chapter, Bach plans to carry the lessons of leadership and service into the collegiate level. She will be attending the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, where she has committed to play volleyball, and will major in Kinesiology. Her long-term sights are set on continuing her education to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Despite her busy academic and athletic schedule ahead, Bach insists that community service will remain a core pillar of her life.
“In the future, I hope to continue serving my community by staying involved with nonprofits and volunteer opportunities, while encouraging others to stay involved as well,” she said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
When asked what she would say to younger students who are considering applying for the Youth Council, Bach’s advice is clear:
“Youth Council is an amazing opportunity. You’ll learn so much about your community and all the ways to support it. It’s an incredible experience that will teach you more than you think.”
Bach’s journey is a modern reflection of a long-standing tradition. For more than two decades, the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Youth Council has empowered local students to guide real-world grantmaking, support vital nonprofits, and develop into civic-minded leaders, ensuring the future of area philanthropy remains in good hands.
