United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) asked high school seniors across the region what they saw as the biggest need in the community – and what ideas they had to address that need – in its third annual Youth United Contest.
Thirty-eight students from across the Iron Range and Koochiching County responded, and six have been named finalists.
Finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
- Isabelle Appelwick, Mountain Iron Buhl Public School, cited the positive impacts parks have on communities and their residents and proposed ways UWNEMN could transform underused parks into more active inclusive spaces. She plans to attend Harvard University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and public policy.
- Aubrina Eggen, Falls High School, shared the personal and community-wide impacts of food insecurity she has seen and felt. She encouraged UWNEMN to expand upon its existing food access programming to “turn hardship into hope.” She plans to attend University of Wisconsin – River Falls to study biomedical sciences with the end goal of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
- River Galloway, Rock Ridge High School, serves on the Creating Our Iron Range Everyday (C.O.R.E.) club at school, planning substance free events and activities for students, as well as the Teen Council peer education program through Planned Parenthood. Based on that experience, Galloway proposed new initiatives focused on realistic harm reduction to curb risky behavior for our region’s students. Galloway plans to attend Macalester College to major in biology and psychology.
- Brant Gruba, Rock Ridge High School, sees the widening skilled trades gap as a foundational challenge for the present and future of our region. The matter is near and dear to Gruba who has already been attending the Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Equipment Maintenance program at Minnesota North College as a PSEO student while doing side work on small engine repairs. Gruba plans to become a specialized field service technician focusing on advanced machinery diagnostics.
- Taylor Morley, Rock Ridge High School, has become increasingly aware of the need for food programming in our region through her experience with Youth In Action and her mother’s experience as an elementary school teacher. She proposed ways UWNEMN and the community could better support local food shelves to address increasing rates of food insecurity in our region. Morley plans to attend St. Catherine University to major in biology on the pre-dental track.
- Connor Tomczak, Falls High School, is preparing to enter the healthcare system and says it’s more about technical skills; it’s also about compassion and supporting people when they are vulnerable. He proposed monthly grief support and social connection potluck for widowed community members, older adults, and anyone in need of companionship. He plans to attend Lake Superior College to earn his degree in radiologic technology before traveling the country as an X-ray technician.
Finalists were selected by UWNEMN’s Community Impact Committee. Committee members first reviewed anonymous submissions before selecting semi-finalists to interview.
“Our region can and should be proud of our young people,” said UWNEMN Education & Childhood Programs Specialist Sarah Gardeski. “Every student who entered this contest put their heart into it. It’s clear to see our future leaders care about our communities.”
$10,000 in scholarship funds have been distributed among the finalists through UWNEMN’s Community Impact Fund, thanks to the support of local donors.
The 2026-2027 Youth United contest opens to all high school seniors across UWNEMN’s service area including the Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County on November 1.