Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the 22nd Spirit of Youth Awards have been cancelled. We would like to thank all the sponsors, nominees, and those who nominated a youth, for participating.
Congratulations to the 2020 honorees:
Dreamer
Derek Booth has learned how to produce professional looking traditional attire. He sews nightly with his grandma, spending time with her and passing on traditions. Most of his garments, which are coveted by many in Kotzebue, are given away for free.
Runner Up: When funding failed from the Anchorage School District, Geneva Luteria looked for opportunities in the Anchorage Assembly to figure out alternatives to a Tagalog class.
Innovator
Anna DeVolld has developed a program called Promote Our Pollinators. This project strives to educate the public about the importance of pollinators and to provide easy to implement ways to support these essential creatures.
Runner up: Grace Hopkins raises hundreds annually for The Door Youth Shelter fundraiser “One Homeless Night” where she builds a box city and spends the night outside.
Life-Saver
Sheryl Swarner was recently involved in saving the lives of three teenagers. Due to her quick actions and directions, the outcome of the event was not tragic.
Runner up: Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (SDA) was created by and for teens and young adults, to help engage the power, energy and creativity of high school and college students in the fight against gun violence.
Discovery
Alicyn Bahnke, Zoe Okleasik, Quannah Potts and Nanieezh Peter were inspired to take action due to their personal experiences with climate change in their communities. In a resolution to the Alaska Federation of Natives they declared a climate emergency and created a climate action leadership task force to advance Indigenous voices and advocate for strong climate policies that will ensure the survival of future generations.
Phoenix
Kevin Grimes is a strong member of Facing Foster Care in Alaska. He mentors youth from all ages ranging from 13-25.
Runner up: Shaelene Swanson has had a turbulent upbringing, but despite everything she’s been through, she has remained resilient.
Role Model
For the past five years, Margaret Wolfe has volunteered as the childcare provider for an Anchorage area women’s AA meeting on Saturday mornings. She also helps with youth group activities at her church, assisting with service projects and youth activities.
Runner up: Eli Knapp has been a part of a number of youth-led activities, including R.O.C.K Mat-Su and Special Olympics, as well as helping in his classroom.
Visionary
Sarah Mixsell founded the non-profit organization Alaska Kids for Kids in 2011 when she was nine years old. Under Sarah’s leadership, the organization has raised over $20,000 in funds and other donations that directly benefit youth in Alaska.
Runner up: Zoe Nelles created the Sandwich Project at Palmer High School. She makes lunches for kids so they have food over the weekends.
Humanitarian
In June of 2018, Garrett Graham formed a team called “Garrett’s Got Guts” which participated in the Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis fundraising event. He has taken action to educate himself, his classmates, and his community members about genetic disorders with both humor and sincerity.
Runner up: In order to alleviate isolation among senior citizens, Elora Reichert created a traveling petting zoo at a senior living home in her community.