Dave Burkard (Sparta High School)

Dave is pictured above (top row, second in from the left) with a group of Sparta High School students at Young Life camp.

Dave is an ER doctor who has served as a Young Life leader at Sparta High School for the past seven years. His commitment to students goes far beyond simply showing up for Young Life events—he intentionally finds ways to build genuine, lasting relationships with kids in the everyday places where they live and spend their time.

As the doctor for the Sparta High School football team, he has a unique opportunity to build relationships with athletes throughout the season. He uses that role not just professionally, but relationally, getting to know the players, investing in their lives, and creating opportunities to encourage and care for them. He also serves as a camp doctor for Midwest Young Life camps, giving his time and medical expertise to serve both students and leaders.

He is especially intentional about contact work—going to where kids are rather than waiting for them to come to him. He also naturally invites students into his own life, whether that means going to the school, games, or simply spending time doing the things he already enjoys. He has even spent spring break traveling with several Young Life students and their families, creating space for deeper relationships and meaningful memories.

His investment in students continues beyond their high school years. Each summer, he hosts a weekly Bible study for students who have graduated from high school, continuing to walk alongside them as they navigate the transition into adulthood and grow in their faith.

His ministry is marked by consistency, availability, and a willingness to meet kids wherever they are. Whether he is in an ER, on the football field, at camp, traveling with students, or opening his home for Bible study, he continually finds ways to show students that they are known, valued, and loved—and to point them toward Jesus through authentic relationships.

Hunter Siler (Riley Street WyldLife)

Hunter is pictured above (top row, center) with a group of middle school students from Riley Street WyldLife at Timber Wolf Lake.

This summer, Hunter wrapped us his time as a volunteer leader after five years of faithfully serving with Riley Street WyldLife. This summer also brought a new chapter as Hunter married his new wife, Maddy, and the two moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where Maddy will be attending vet school. While we will miss having Hunter on our team, we are excited to see how God will use him in this next chapter. Hunter is already getting connected in Knoxville and hopes to serve as a WyldLife leader there.

Hunter was a passionate and faithful team leader who cared deeply about both students and the leaders he served alongside. He was especially gifted at contact work, consistently showing up and building genuine relationships with kids. He also loved helping other leaders develop their club talks. He would spend time with leaders, thinking through their messages and making sure God’s Word was being handled with care, clarity, and faithfulness.

For five years, Hunter gave his time, energy, and heart to Riley Street WyldLife, leaving a lasting impact on students and leaders alike. He will be greatly missed, but we are so grateful for the years he poured into our community. We are excited to share him with the next community he becomes a part of and trust that God will continue to use Hunter’s gifts, passion, and heart for students in Knoxville.