Spirit of Youth

Gabrielle Morton leads with purpose and heart. She created Color Them with Kindness to help kids stand up to bullying and grow in faith. Through this platform, she shares her story, teaches confidence, and spreads kindness. Gabrielle has reached over 2,000 people in Alaska and other states, giving out handmade crayons, scripture cards, and bracelets. She volunteers over 500 hours each year, serving veterans, first responders, and local groups. Her work earned her several awards and a feature on the cover of Uplift Universe Magazine.

• Home Town Eagle River
• School District NA
• Award Category Role Model

Olivia leads with creativity and purpose, using her talents to amplify youth voices. She co-developed a teen wellness video by organizing a student team, setting a timeline, and guiding the creative process from start to finish. She took an active role in spoken word, photography, music, and video editing to deliver content that supports mental health and self-expression. Olivia also produced a 90-second video for the NBCU Academy, offering teens simple, effective tools to manage stress. Through her leadership and vision, she empowers others to share their stories and build confidence.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Dreamer

Wayne has made a significant impact on the Gruening Middle School debate program through his dedication, leadership, and passion for debate. Over the past three years, he volunteered as a judge and recently joined the coaching team—organizing scrimmages, leading weekly practices, and presenting complex topics in an engaging way for students. Under his mentorship, the team won two Junior Varsity titles, reached the Varsity Semifinals three times, and earned several best speaker awards. Wayne earned the 2024 ASAA State Policy Speaker Award, qualified for NSDA Nationals, and now serves as Director of Recruitment for the Outreach Debate nonprofit. His commitment to fostering respectful, informed dialogue inspires younger students and strengthens civil discourse in today’s world.

• Home Town Chugiak
• School District ASD
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model