NLYC Newsletter: April 2025

As the school year winds down, the NLYC is preparing for a temporary pause until we resume again at the start of the next school year. It’s been an impactful and rewarding season, and we’re taking time to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together. From organizing community events to supporting local causes, this year has been full of growth, collaboration, and meaningful contributions. In the coming weeks, we’ll be putting together a “State of the Youth” letter—a chance to celebrate our progress, highlight key achievements, and share ideas on how we can continue to grow and make an even greater impact in the future. While we’ll be taking a short break, we’re already excited for what’s to come in the future.

Upcoming Events

The NLYC invites all middle school students to participate in a friendly flag football tournament that will take place on May 10th. This event is a great chance to team up with friends, enjoy some friendly competition, and show off your skills on the field. Come be a part of a day filled with energy, teamwork, and community spirit!

The tournament will take place at the Liberty High School Football Field. Admission is $5 per person and will be played with 5 people per team. You must fill out the survey to register.

STEMpact: Youth to Youth

STEMpact: Youth to Youth is a high school mentorship program. Our goal is to help younger students explore exciting STEM topics and spark their curiosity. By connecting high school mentors with the youth, we can inspire the next generation of innovators while fostering learning, creativity, and confidence. Mentorship sessions will take place once a month. All sessions will be led by high school students and targeted toward elementary or middle school students.

The most recent session’s topic was math and it took place on April 26th at the North Liberty Library. Participants created catapults!
The next session’s topic will be Chemistry on May 24 at 2:00 p.m. in the North Liberty Library. You must fill out the survey to register!
Register

Past Events

Pickleball Tournament

The NLYC recently hosted a pickleball tournament to help bring high school students from around the community together. A total of 12 teams participated, and we were able to raise funds for the North Liberty Community Pantry. The tournament was a great success, with students not only competing but also connecting and cheering each other on throughout the day. The energy was high, and the friendly competition made for a fun and memorable event. Whether they were seasoned players or trying pickleball for the first time, participants had a great time, and the positive atmosphere truly reflected the spirit of community.

Mental Health Club Spotlight:

Lives Through Letters

One of the most heartfelt initiatives in our community is the Handwritten Hearts Club—a group dedicated to creating personalized cards and letters for individuals across North Liberty. Whether it’s a note of encouragement for someone going through a tough time or a cheerful holiday card for a senior in a care facility, each message is crafted with care and intention. In a world that often moves fast and leans heavily on digital communication, a handwritten letter stands out as a genuine gesture of kindness. These small but meaningful acts help remind people that they are seen, valued, and not alone. The impact is powerful—bringing smiles, comfort, and connection to those who need it most, one letter at a time.