We will celebrate this year’s amazing honorees at the 28th Annual Spirit of Youth Awards, Saturday, March 28, 6:00pm in the Kenai Ballroom at The Wildbirch Hotel (239 W. 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska).
The Spirit of Youth Awards will recognize 17 teens and youth groups from across Alaska who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their communities. The ceremony is an opportunity to share their stories of courage, inspiration, and innovation.
Tickets to the event are now available and can be purchased here:
Individuals and groups will be honored by category:
PHOENIX AWARD The Phoenix Award celebrates youth who display exceptional determination and perseverance as they overcome significant life challenges.
Wesley Hewson-Lastimosa (Ketchikan) has been an active member of Ketchikan Youth for Change for years, leading youth advocacy on substance use prevention and homelessness awareness. He helped run programs like Red Ribbon Week, Your Choice Carnival, Ghost Out, and Sleep-Out. Through peer education, Wesley fosters safe spaces, reduces stigma, and brings authentic leadership to his community.
Runner-Up: Tehani Samoa Taugofie (Anchorage) is an active youth leader involved in Color Your Mine: Art Youth, Multicultural Youth Educational Summit, and community cricket culture. She led art projects helping youth with disabilities express their emotions and represented Pacific Island students at the Youth Court Summit, presenting on cultural awareness of child abuse, neglect, and discipline.
DREAMER AWARD The Dreamer Award recognizes teens who are actively engaging in their community through the preservation of cultural practices and arts, those who share personal expression through visual or performing arts, and those who cultivate youth voice through media and digital art forms.
Mazelle Joseph (Juneau) is a youth organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, inspiring peers, especially Alaska Native youth, through her dedication to culture and language. She created a Tlingit-language short film for a youth-led climate and storytelling project, showcasing her connection to the land and culture while urging protection against pollution and climate change.
Runner-Up: Angel Jack (Angoon) is a leader focused on cultural preservation, storytelling, and healing. She represented Southeast Alaska nationally and internationally, using filmmaking, journalism, and geocultural research to document the Angoon Bombardment and protect culturally significant sites through technologies like LiDAR and photogrammetry.
HUMANITARIAN AWARD The Humanitarian Award recognizes youth who have put forth efforts to make their community a better place or are active in local or state government.
Emily Brubaker (Anchorage) is a young leader driving policy change at the local, state, and national levels. She is one of the team members of the BioGlitter Initiative, prompting the Anchorage School Board to end purchases of plastic glitter, and, as Alaska’s State Lead for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, she helped advance SJR 16. Through advocacy and civic engagement Emily empowers others to participate in democracy.
Runner-Up: East High School Interact Club, Anchorage (Anchorage) leads service projects locally, nationally, and internationally. Students run the T-Bird Boutique, distribute hygiene kits and shower bags, and support mobile food pantries and fundraisers benefiting nonprofits. The club empowers a diverse group to address community needs while building leadership, social responsibility, and a culture of giving back.
VISIONARY AWARD The Visionary Award recognizes youth who have turned their creativity and knowledge into an entrepreneurial or economic venture.
Lola Swanson (Seward) is a young leader from Seward, Alaska, who runs a year-round dance program providing accessible, high-quality arts opportunities to over 100 local youth, strengthening creativity, confidence, leadership skills, and long-term community engagement across families.
Runner-Up: Yedidia Diboue (Anchorage) is a driven youth leader combining entrepreneurship, innovation, and service. At 11, she founded YY Sweets, managing the business and donating 10% of its profits to causes such as St. Jude’s and Women LISTEN. She led a CRISPR-based cancer treatment project and earned the Arctic Innovation Competition Fan Favorite Award.
LIFESAVER AWARD The Lifesaver Award celebrates youth who have gone above and beyond “the call of duty” by preventing injuries and illness and saving lives.
Sophia Pilgrim (Ketchikan) leads transformative youth initiatives in Ketchikan, securing $3.5M to launch the community’s first low-barrier youth center and creating a free lunch program serving 300+ youth. Through Rotary Interact and Ketchikan Youth for Change, she mobilizes peers, raises $10K+ annually, and delivers drug-prevention education through multiple community events each year.
Runner-Up: Jillian Dolph (Anchorage) has volunteered widely, supporting Anchorage Firefighters, Special Olympics, and Dimond High’s Partners Club. She led a blood drive that collected 30 units and a food drive that provided nearly 2,500 meals. Jillian also helps clean veterans’ headstones, and inspires peers to serve, demonstrating compassion, and dedication that strengthen her community.
ROLE MODEL AWARD Teens nominated for the Role-Model Award lend a helping hand to peers and younger youth in their community.
Kinsey Shepard(Anchorage) As Nanuk Lodge Chief, Kinsey Shepard leads the Great Alaska Council’s youth-run Order of the Arrow program. She guides teens in planning inductions, service projects, and lodge operations while coordinating major events and improving camp facilities. A dedicated mentor, Kinsey builds confidence in younger Scouts and strengthens an inclusive, youth-empowered Scouting community.
Runner-Up: Gabrielle Morton (Eagle River) leads with purpose and heart. She founded Color Them with Kindness to help youth stand up to bullying, grow in faith, and build confidence. She has reached 2,000+ people across Alaska and beyond through kindness kits and outreach. Gabrielle volunteers 500+ hours annually and has earned multiple awards, including a feature in Uplift Universe Magazine.
INNOVATOR AWARD The Innovator Award shines the spotlight on the efforts of youth who have shown excellence in the fields of math, science and engineering through research, study, or improvement in their community.
Olivia Okeahialam (Anchorage) is a motivated student. As Alaska’s youth ambassador for STEM Next, she tutors math, educates the public on climate issues, and volunteers with a food pantry, the Teen Media Institute, and Junior Achievement. Through advocacy and leadership, Ollie inspires peers to take action, promoting equity, education, and environmental awareness.
Runner-Up: Lynx Initiative (Anchorage) is a youth-run robotics program founded by Anchorage teens to expand STEM access, especially in Title I schools. In two years, it built the city’s first K–12 robotics pathway, growing to 13 teams across 23 schools. Teen leaders volunteered 1,750+ hours, delivering inclusive STEM outreach to diverse communities.
DISCOVERY AWARD The Discovery Awardhighlights accomplishments made by youth in science with a specific focus on the environment.
Phoebe Tschappat and Morgan Saiget(Cordova). Both Discovery Award recipients are leaders with the Copper River Watershed Project, promoting environmental stewardship in Cordova. They lead a recycling program, engage students, and support community outreach. Phoebe and Morgan provide hands-on education about watersheds and salmon life cycles and foster long-term community sustainability.
Runner-Up: Gavin O’Neil (Petersburg) is a caring leader in Petersburg who served as a youth mentor with the Kinderskog outdoor education program, supporting younger children through nature learning, safety, and emotional support. He is also an early member of the Devil’s Thumb Shooters skeet team. Through both programs, Gavin helps create a welcoming, healthy outdoor community for local youth.
Sponsors of the Spirit of Youth Awards include: Alaska 529; Alaska Airlines; Alaska Children’s Trust; Altman, Rogers and Co; Atwood Foundation; Enstar; Nicholas J. and Pegge Begich Public Service Fund; Northrim Bank; and Recover Alaska.
Mark your calendars! We will celebrate this year’s amazing honorees at the 28th Annual Spirit of Youth Awards, Saturday, March 28, at The Wildbirch Hotel (239 W 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska).
The Spirit of Youth Awards will recognize 16 teens and youth groups from across Alaska who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their communities. The ceremony is an opportunity to share their stories of courage, inspiration, and innovation.
Produced by the youth producers at Alaska Teen Media Institute, these stories showcase the amazing 2025 awardees and their efforts around the state. Listen now!
Approximately 20% of students age 12-18 in Alaska have experienced bullying. Spirit of Youth and the Alaska Department of Health are working together to build inclusive environments free from bullying in Alaska.
The Spirit of Youth Coalition was created to decrease the risk factor of bullying and to promote protective factors among Alaska youth. Spirit of Youth is dedicated to creating, promoting and recognizing youth involvement in communities across Alaska. In partnership with the Alaska Department of Health, we are offering three grants statewide of up to $3,000 for youth-led programs and projects focused on empowering youth voice to end bullying in Alaska.
The $3,000 Bullying Prevention Campaign Grants are specifically intended to support youth-led projects for middle and high school students in Alaska that meet the following goals:
Promote respect and inclusion.
Raise community awareness about bullying and its serious consequences.
Encourage the use of the 988 hotline and participation in the 988 Create Contest. (More information at 988 Alaska Health)
Reduce stigma among middle and high school students around reporting bullying.
Enhance understanding of bullying behavior among students, parents, teachers, and school staff.
Increase community participation in advocating for bullying prevention.
Apply for grant funding by October 24, 2025. Three grants will be awarded.
Access the grant guide and application HERE.
Previous grant recipients have included:
Anchorage Youth Court
Anchorage Youth Task Force
Anchorage Youth Vote/League of Women Voters of Anchorage
Alaska Dance Theatre
Alaska Teen Media Institute/Youth Health Reporters
Alaska Theatre of Youth
Benny Benson Secondary School
Boys & Girls Club – Southcentral Alaska
Choosing Our Roots
Clark Middle School
Dimond High School – Ignition Mentorship
Girl Scouts of Alaska
Identity
Kenai School District
Koahnic Broadcast Corporation
Kodiak School District (Shakesbears)
National Junior Honor Society
NAMI Alaska
Stone Soup Group
See Stories
Seward Prevention Coalition
Tundra Women’s Coalition (Teens Acting Against Violence)
Mark your calendars for this summer’s Promote the Positive event!
Please join us Friday August 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a fun summer evening for Spirit of Youth. We will have Moose’s Tooth pizza, snacks, beer and wine, music, and an auction for two Alaska Airlines tickets!
Suggested donation is $25/person or $50/family and we will gather for the event rain or shine. This event is hosted by Adelyn Baxter and Charlie Kidd in Anchorage.
Email info@spiritofyouth.org for the event address.
Spirit of Youth’s annual report is now available online. Read about Spirit of Youth’s many accomplishments over the last year. The annual report includes information on the 2025 Spirit of Youth Awards, highlights from the Alaska Teen Media Institute and outcomes from Spirit of Youth’s programs. A financial summary can also be found in the report.
Spirit of Youth’s Coalition developed public service announcements, promoting use of 988 and the Alaska Careline. These messages were crafted by local youth to share the significant protective role that supportive adults and community engagement play in youth mental health and the powerful negative impact bullying has on the lives of young people. The PSAs refer listeners to call or text 988 for the Alaska Careline if they need to talk to someone. The PSAs will be aired during school drive time (before and after school) to encourage parent/child conversations around mental health and bullying.
Call or text 988 for 24/7 free and confidential support.
Spirit of Youth recently published their statewide assessment of youth behavioral health in Alaska, conducted by McKinley Research Group. The assessment focused on behavioral health prevention and promotion and included analysis of a selection of youth behavioral health data, a facilitated discussion with stakeholders, and a review of other recently published assessments of youth behavioral health in Alaska, including a report summarizing findings from youth focus groups hosted by Spirit of Youth.
The findings of this study provide a synopsis of current youth behavioral health needs, challenges, and opportunities in Alaska, and inform Spirit of Youth’s behavioral health prevention and promotion strategies.
Families, friends, and community members joined together on Saturday, April 26 in celebration of the 2025 Spirit of Youth Award winners. Hosted by the Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council, the ceremony featured winners and runners up for each of the eight categories, and included descriptions of their projects and community innovations.
Missed the ceremony? Read about all of the award recipients HERE.
Spirit of Youth is hiring! We are looking for the right person for our Coalition Coordinator position. The Coalition Coordinator builds and maintains a coalition of youth, people and organizations committed to youth well-being through education, advocacy, and support. The Spirit of Youth Coalition’s goal is to minimize risk factors impacting youth while strengthening protective factors.
The qualified candidate will be an energetic, talented, caring and supportive individual who believes in Spirit of Youth’s mission. Specific qualifications include experience working within communities; strong organizational, leadership and management skills; ability to work with diverse populations; organizational, time management and problem-solving skills; strong interpersonal and relationship skills; cultural responsiveness; and ability to plan events and activities. You can read the full job description here.
Please pass this along to anyone you think might be a great fit! Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to info@spiritofyouth.org, subject line: Coalition Coordinator.
Congratulations to the 2025 Spirit of Youth Awardees and Runners-up!
We will celebrate this year’s amazing honorees at the 27th Annual Spirit of Youth Awards, Saturday, April 26, 6:00pm at the Heritage Theatre at 49th State (717 W 3rd, Anchorage, Alaska).
The Spirit of Youth Awards will recognize 16 teens and youth groups from across Alaska who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their communities. The ceremony is an opportunity to share their stories of courage, inspiration, and innovation.
Tickets to the event are now available and can be purchased here:
Individuals and groups will be honored by category:
PHOENIX AWARD The Phoenix Award celebrates youth who display exceptional determination and perseverance as they overcome significant life challenges.
Raedyn Keeling-Masuhara (Anchorage) is a dedicated leader at the Alaska Theatre of Youth, where he volunteers and helps organize activities. He is part of the team producing Alaska’s first youth-led theater production and chairs the Public Relations committee. Despite being neurodivergent and legally blind, he remains positive and hardworking. Raedyn also volunteers at the Downtown Hope Center, organizes food drives, serves on the Steller Secondary School Student Council, and trains in voice and ballet, enriching the arts community.
Runner-Up: Daniel Brown (Anchorage) is an extraordinary youth leader making a significant impact in his community. He has spearheaded initiatives like reforesting the Amazon and volunteering at soup kitchens while serving as a pro-bono dialect coach for Anchorage community theatre actors. His most inspiring work involves supporting neurodivergent youth in theatre, where he mentors a young actor with autism, enabling him to overcome challenges and perform confidently.
DREAMER AWARD The Dreamer Award recognizes teens who are actively engaging in their community through the preservation of cultural practices and arts, those who share personal expression through visual or performing arts, and those who cultivate youth voice through media and digital art forms.
Arianna Leuer (Anchorage) is a talented artist and advocate using cultural crafts to address social and mental health issues. As a Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska member, they offer insights to enhance public health programs for Alaskan youth. Arianna’s beaded earrings, symbolizing suicide prevention, were featured in the 988Create campaign to raise awareness about the hotline. They contributed to the campaign’s theme and materials to encourage Native youth participation. Additionally, their earrings for the missing and murdered Indigenous women cause were displayed at the U.S. Department of the Interior. At the 2024 Lead On! summit, Arianna inspired peers to engage in mental health discussions.
Runner-Up: Angel Jack (Angoon) participates in Student Council, Angoon Youth Stewards, basketball, and works at Eagle Espresso while maintaining top grades. Her leadership shines through her commitment to projects like creating films for Angoon’s community, including one about the 1882 bombardment and its healing process. Angel has traveled to Hawaii and Texas for internships and conferences, completing a college-level course on community mapping.
HUMANITARIAN AWARD The Humanitarian Award recognizes youth who have put forth efforts to make their community a better place or are active in local or state government.
Jayden Lampe (Utqiagvik), as a Youth Organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, has led campaigns on food security and climate action, helping youth across Alaska call for a climate emergency. In her hometown of Utqiagvik, she serves as class president, an executive board member of the Alaska Association of Student Governments, and a youth representative for the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. She has also advocated for increased state funding for public schools and motivated peers through her work on climate change and education, empowering rural and Indigenous youth as a role model.
Runner-Up: The Wrangell T3 (Wrangell) student group collaborated with inventor Brian Ashton for the Capitol Christmas Tree project. Together, they designed a life support system using salmon incubation technology to keep the 80-foot Sitka spruce alive during its 4,000-mile journey to Washington, D.C. The project addressed a complex challenge while fostering community pride and collaboration, inspiring other students to engage in local initiatives. The students’ adaptability and teamwork resulted in the healthiest Capitol Christmas tree ever, demonstrating how youth can make a meaningful impact with community support.
VISIONARY AWARD The Visionary Award recognizes youth who have turned their creativity and knowledge into an entrepreneurial or economic venture.
Jusse’ll Watkins-Roberton (Anchorage) Despite social anxiety, Jusse’ll has participated in the Disability Awareness Art Show and her high school’s winter bazaar, confidently selling her original crochet art. Her thoughtful pricing and customer engagement showcase her maturity and determination. Using creativity for emotional regulation, Jusse’ll repurposes yarn, including materials from her great-grandmother to craft unique and imaginative pieces. By sharing her art and discussing her anxiety challenges, she inspires others to take risks and embrace growth. With plans to establish an online shop and save for the future, Jusse’ll embodies grit, resilience, and authentic living.
Runner-Up: Splish Splash Productions (SSP) (Anchorage) a youth-led group within the Alaska Theatre of Youth, has taken on the challenge of producing “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” In eleven months, SSP raised over $10,000, secured production rights, hired key staff, and found a venue at the UAA Fine Arts Building. Their leadership includes youth-driven decisions from casting to production policies, aiming to engage as many youth as possible and even double-cast roles for backup performers. They aim to tour the show across Alaska, promoting the arts and literacy while inspiring other young people to believe in their potential.
LIFESAVER AWARD The Lifesaver Award celebrates youth who have gone above and beyond “the call of duty” by preventing injuries and illness and saving lives.
The STAR Team (Palmer) comprised of grades 6-8, promotes mental health awareness and suicide prevention among middle school students. STAR stands for Saving Teens at Risk and encourages students to Share, Tell, Ask, and Reach out for help. Throughout the year, the team presents suicide prevention slideshows in homerooms, teaching peers to recognize warning signs and seek assistance. Eighth-grade STAR members also give anti-bullying presentations to 5th graders, helping them prepare for middle school. Additionally, STAR students promote a drug-free lifestyle during Red Ribbon Week and set an example of positive citizenship for their peers.
Runner-Up: Matthew Wilson (Palmer), is a passionate young leader who brought the American Heart Challenge program to Colony Middle School, raising over $1,500 for heart research and education. Motivated by his father’s passing from heart disease in 2020, Matthew served as the liaison between his school and the American Heart Association, promoting skills like Hands-Only CPR and recognizing signs of stroke. Additionally, he organized a successful Italian Soda fundraiser during track meets, showcasing his creativity and dedication. As a member of the National Junior Honor Society and the Colony Middle Tri-M Music Honor Society, Matthew actively seeks service opportunities to support his community.
ROLE MODEL AWARD Teens nominated for the Role-Model Award lend a helping hand to peers and younger youth in their community.
Joshua Pak(Anchorage) is an active member of various youth-led organizations. He currently serves as the Student Advisory Board President, representing all students on the Anchorage School District School Board. Additionally, he is the Bar President of Anchorage Youth Court and the Section 8 Representative on the National Federation of High Schools National Student Advisory Council, among other roles. Joshua’s impressive resume reflects his strong commitment to community and civic engagement, providing leadership and representation for students across the Anchorage School District and throughout the State of Alaska.
Runner-Up: Dalton Ante (Anchorage) Since he was 10, Dalton has volunteered weekly with The Alaska Humane Society to clean the shelter and care for the cats, raising over $6,000 to support their needs and assisting in building individual cat apartments. Additionally, Dalton helps at his former school, Bear Valley, supporting teachers and advocating against its closure. He has forgone birthday presents for shelter donations, led holiday efforts for the animals, and is planning a 2025 food drive.
INNOVATOR AWARD The Innovator Award shines the spotlight on the efforts of youth who have shown excellence in the fields of math, science and engineering through research, study, or improvement in their community.
Ander Edens (Wrangell) is a talented and dedicated youth leader, skilled musician, and has a passion for engineering. He is actively involved in his school and community, serving as King in the 2023 4th of July royalty competition and starring as the Prince in a local production of “Cinderella.” As a member of the T3 tech club, Ander helped design and install the remote wildlife camera system at Annan, supported the 2024 Capitol Christmas Tree selection with drone technology, and contributed to the tree misting system. Ander sings in the school choir and plays saxophone in the band and pep band. He volunteers in the Harbor Light media booth, co-hosts radio programs on KSTK, and works with Alaska Vistas during the summer. His participation in the Annan wildlife cameras, benefited Wrangell’s tourism and promoted national exposure for the region’s wildlife.
Runner-Up: Hunter Hayden (Anchorage) president of Dimond Robotics, has expanded STEM access for Anchorage youth. He volunteered over 120 hours in 2024, mentoring multiple FIRST LEGO League teams. Hunter co-founded The Lynx Initiative (TLI) to create robotics programs for underserved students. As the youngest board member of the Alaska Museum of Science & Nature, he champions youth-led initiatives in STEM.
DISCOVERY AWARD The Discovery Awardhighlights accomplishments made by youth in science with a specific focus on the environment.
Josiah Jackson(Kake) has dedicated three summers to the Kake Alaska Youth Steward (AYS) crew as both a crew member and assistant leader. Since 2022, he has contributed to environmental restoration, ancestral land stewardship, and cultural projects. His work includes restoring fish habitats, building the first traditional shellfish garden in Southeast Alaska, and addressing invasive species. Josiah stands out for his commitment to supporting his team and community—uplifting others, assisting elders at gatherings, and making everyone feel included. His contributions to local food security, environmental preservation, and cultural continuity have made a meaningful impact on Kake.
Runner-Up: Girl Scout Troop 436 (Anchorage) is addressing microplastic pollution by advocating for a ban on plastic glitter in the Anchorage School District. Through their BioGlitter Initiative, the troop is raising awareness about the harmful effects of traditional glitter on health and the environment. They’ve created a survey for art teachers, launched an informative website, started a petition, and produced a compelling video. Each member contributes to the project, showcasing teamwork and leadership. Their goal is to present their findings to the school board and promote biodegradable glitter as an eco-friendly alternative, inspiring others to make small changes for big environmental impacts.
Sponsors of the Spirit of Youth Awards include: Alaska 529; Alaska Children’s Trust; Altman, Rogers and Co; Atwood Foundation; Enstar; Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund; Rasmuson Foundation; and Recover Alaska.
Approximately 20% of students age 12-18 in Alaska have experienced bullying. Spirit of Youth, Anchorage Youth Vote, the Alaska Department of Health, and other community partners are working as a coalition to build inclusive environments free from bullying in Alaska.
The Spirit of Youth Coalition was created to decrease the risk factor of bullying and to promote protective factors among Alaska youth. Spirit of Youth is dedicated to creating, promoting and recognizing youth involvement in communities across Alaska. Anchorage Youth Vote works to amplify youth voice and create opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in Anchorage. Together, with other partners in the Spirit of Youth Coalition, we work to ensure that all Alaska youth are included, heard, and empowered.
The $3,000 Bullying Prevention Campaign Grants are specifically intended to support youth-led projects for middle and high school students in Alaska that meet the following goals:
Promote respect and inclusion.
Raise community awareness about bullying and its serious consequences.
Encourage the use of the 988 hotline and participation in the 988 Create Contest. (More information at 988 Alaska Health)
Reduce stigma among middle and high school students around reporting bullying.
Enhance understanding of bullying behavior among students, parents, teachers, and school staff.
Increase community participation in advocating for bullying prevention.
Apply for grant funding by October 25, 2024.
Access the grant guide and application HERE.
Previous grant recipients have included:
Anchorage Youth Court
Anchorage Youth Task Force
Anchorage Youth Vote/League of Women Voters of Anchorage
Alaska Dance Theatre
Alaska Teen Media Institute/Youth Health Reporters
Alaska Theatre of Youth
Benny Benson Secondary School
Boys & Girls Club – Southcentral Alaska
Choosing Our Roots
Clark Middle School
Dimond High School – Ignition Mentorship
Girl Scouts of Alaska
Identity
Kenai School District
Koahnic Broadcast Corporation
National Junior Honor Society
NAMI Alaska
Stone Soup Group
See Stories
Seward Prevention Coalition
YANA Club – West High School
YANA Club – Hanshew Middle School
Want regular updates? Sign up for our newsletter HERE!
Join us Tuesday, July 23, for a special summer event supporting Spirit of Youth! This event will feature Moose’s Tooth pizza, snacks, beer & wine, music, and an auction for two round-trip Alaska Airlines tickets. Suggested donation of $25/$50 family. This event is always lots of fun and will happen rain or shine. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
Congratulations to the 2024 Spirit of Youth Awardees and Runners-up!
We will celebrate this year’s amazing honorees at the 26th Annual Spirit of Youth Awards, Saturday, April 13, 5:00pm at the Heritage Theatre at 49th State (717 W 3rd, Anchorage, Alaska).
The Spirit of Youth Awards will recognize 16 teens and youth groups from across Alaska who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their communities. The ceremony is an opportunity to share their stories of courage, inspiration, and innovation.
Tickets to the event are now available and can be purchased here:
Individuals and groups will be honored by category:
PHOENIX AWARD The Phoenix Award celebrates youth who display exceptional determination and perseverance as they overcome significant life challenges.
Josephine “Josie” Herbert (Wasilla) has volunteered for multiple fundraising efforts across Southcentral Alaska. Josie does not allow anything to hold her back, despite a traumatic start in life, and recently won the title of Miss Alaska High School. Josie wants to be a pillar of hope to girls who might feel alone as they navigate through the emotions of being a teenager or subjected to a bad situation.
Runner-Up: Preston Maes (Anchorage) is an engaged member of Service High Schools Partners Club serving as a peer teacher and community volunteer. He embodies the principles of inclusion, demonstrating acceptance and respect for the differences and inherent dignity of individuals experiencing disabilities.
DREAMER AWARD The Dreamer Award recognizes teens who are actively engaging in their community through the preservation of cultural practices and arts, those who share personal expression through visual or performing arts, and those who cultivate youth voice through media and digital art forms.
Sara DeVolld (Soldotna) is a 16-year-old, fourth-generation Alaskan whose L.E.D. “Artwear” creations have been recognized by 3M, Discovery Education, and The Alaska Society for Technology in Education for her innovative fusions of science and technology with art and design. Her design company, “Vintage Train Case,” produces dresses, jewelry, and ballet-performance costumes. Sara has developed and implemented fundraisers for the dance non-profit, Peninsula Artists in Motion and also teaching and mentoring 7-12 year old ballet students.
Runner-Up: Innoko River Middle and High School (Shageluk) Shageluk has a three-mile road between the village and the runway which is under construction. There are ancient pit houses of Shageluk ancestors along the road. This spring, students at Innoko River School ensured their community’s history was being preserved while a construction company came in to resurface the road. Students put markers out that identified the pit houses, which the company honored and left the area alone. They are learning how to own their history including the land, lifestyle and beliefs.
HUMANITARIAN AWARD The Humanitarian Award recognizes youth who have put forth efforts to make their community a better place or are active in local or state government.
Lily Gosnell (Ketchikan) is a founding member of Ketchikan Youth for Change, a group of youth who are dedicated to substance misuse prevention. She serves as the student body president and serves on the school board. She volunteers on the Lords Table, a program serving home-cooked meals to community members experiencing homelessness. Lily works as an intern at the Women in Safe Homes Organization and as member of their peer education team.
Runner-Up: Anamanu Tu’uholoaki (Anchorage) currently works with children at the Hmoob Cultural Center of Alaska. Anamanu has volunteered by cleaning Anchorage, constructing a blessing box to feed homeless. She’s spent time volunteering with Clare House, Beans Cafe, Food Bank of Alaska and Suicide Prevention Awareness. Additionally, Anamanu has gone on two missions, one to clean up ocean waste in Kodiak and another to serve those living on Navajo Land.
VISIONARY AWARD The Visionary Award recognizes youth who have turned their creativity and knowledge into an entrepreneurial or economic venture.
Jack Boelens (Aniak) In his rural community Jack secured a coffee machine and sells espressos, lattes, and breves along with food, starting his own entrepreneurial venture to reach his financial goals. He taught other students how to run the espresso machine as well as consumer math, profit margins and customer service. Community members look forward to hot lattes at morning athletic events or hot breakfast items to pick up on busy workdays, along with great customer service.
Runner-Up: Lola Swanson (Seward) at the age of 10, Lola decided to share her love for dance with the Seward community and began teaching classes to young people. She started a business offering week-long summer camps, earning a reputation as a mature and talented youth teacher and leader who inspires her students to love dance. Determined to not let finances stand in the way of a young person’s desire to learn to dance, Lola formed a partnership with Seward’s Youth360 program to provide dance scholarships to families in need.
LIFESAVER AWARD The Lifesaver Award celebrates youth who have gone above and beyond “the call of duty” by preventing injuries and illness and saving lives.
Madeleine (Maddy) Reckmeyer (Anchorage) started working with special-needs students in middle school and continued her involvement at Service High in Partner’s Club, a social inclusion club for students with and without intellectual disabilities. Maddy has participated in Mental Health Advocacy Through Storytelling as a storyteller, advocate, and facilitator, founded the Health and Wellness Club at Service High, and developed her own mental health platform, The Future Is Good.
Runner-Up: Arianna Anderson (Seward), as part of the Seward Sources of Strength Peer Leader team, creates and implements youth-led campaigns to foster connection, highlight resilience and increase help seeking behaviors in her school and community. Arianna also shines as a leader, putting on school-wide activities to increase connection and fight isolative factors. She serves as a resource to her peers and provides other teens with knowledge of local resources and trusted adults that can help in a time of crisis.
ROLE MODEL AWARD Teens nominated for the Role-Model Award lend a helping hand to peers and younger youth in their community.
Anika Biss(Anchorage) has helped form a teen volunteer program where teens spend time helping teach Sunday School to elementary-aged children and toddlers. She plays keyboard for worship at her church and school while encouraging young musicians to pursue their passions and inspiring young pianists. Anika has been a part of American Heritage Girls, including hosting caroling nights in her neighborhood. She has also set up her own entrepreneur booth to display and sell her items, donating a portion of her proceeds to charity.
Runner-Up: Ben Kolendo (Wasilla) is the Student Advisory Representative of the Mat-Su School District School Board. In this role, he is an outstanding example to his peers. In 2023, the Adult School Board acted to remove the student representative’s ability to offer student input to the Board of Education. Despite this, Ben has continued to represent his fellow students in a respectful courteous manner.
INNOVATOR AWARD The Innovator Award shines the spotlight on the efforts of youth who have shown excellence in the fields of math, science and engineering through research, study, or improvement in their community.
Evelyn Mills (Fairbanks) is an avid chess player whose passion for chess drove her to approach her teacher to be the sponsor to start a club at her school. The chess club is now incredibly active, hosting tournaments for the school and the community at large. Most recently, Evelyn worked with UAF and coordinated a tournament on an even larger scale. Evelyn is a quiet leader who leads by positive example.
Runner-Up: Sahara Brentor (Trapper Creek) joined the Trapper Creek Community Council to represent the youth of the community and participate in local governmental activities. She developed summer Saturday sports events that hosted both youth and adults to engage in physical activities such as softball, frisbee, and volleyball. In addition, Sahara and family baked or purchased items to sell to participants.
DISCOVERY AWARD The Discovery Awardhighlights accomplishments made by youth in science with a specific focus on the environment.
Dimond NOAA Ocean Guardians(Anchorage) have been involved in remote beach cleanups near Whittier and have removed over 1,000 pounds of marine debris off of remote beaches in Prince William Sound over the last three years. The students worked with a local engineer to learn how to sort the debris, grind some of it, and extrude it to make recycled lumber. They have also removed hundreds of pounds of trash from their school campus, performed weekly recycling of paper, aluminum, and plastic bottles, started a coral reef tank to teach their peers and students from nearby Chinook Elementary about the importance of coral reefs, and given out prizes of reusable water bottles decorated with student art and t-shirts decorated with student art to celebrate recycling and trash cleanups.
Runner-Up: Nora McBride (Anchorage) has worked with the Ocean Club in the removal of hundreds of pounds of debris from beaches in Alaska. She has contributed to college-level papers for the Tsunami Bowl, helped present those papers to students and scientists, and also competed in the quiz bowl. Nora shared the results of her carbon sequestration experiment with the students in her Ocean Club and also with teachers to share with other students in science classes. It was an inspiration for other students to see and hear about a youth-led experiment that was related to solving a global problem.
Sponsors of the Spirit of Youth Awards include: Alaska Airlines, Alaska Children’s Trust,Alaska 529, Altman, Rogers & Co, Atwood Foundation, ENSTAR Natural Gas, Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund, and Recover Alaska.
Approximately 20% of students age 12-18 in Alaska have experienced bullying. Spirit of Youth, Anchorage Youth Vote, and other community partners are working as a coalition to build inclusive environments free from bullying in Alaska.
The Spirit of Youth Coalition was created to decrease the risk factor of bullying and to promote protective factors among Alaska youth. Spirit of Youth is dedicated to creating, promoting and recognizing youth involvement in communities across Alaska. Anchorage Youth Vote works to amplify youth voice and create opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in Anchorage. Together, with other partners in the Spirit of Youth Coalition, we work to ensure that all Alaska youth are included, heard, and empowered.
The $3,000 Bullying Prevention Campaign Grants are specifically intended to support youth-led projects for middle and high school students in Alaska that meet the following goals:
Promote respect and inclusion
Increase the broad community awareness and concern of bullying and its serious consequences
Reduce stigma among middle and high school youth about reporting bullying
Increase bullying awareness among students, parents, teachers and school staff of institutions within the State of Alaska.
Apply for grant funding by November 17, 2023.
Access the grant guide and application HERE.
Previous grant recipients have included:
Alaska Teen Media Institute – Youth Health Reporters
Alaska Youth Orchestras
Anchorage Youth Court
Anchorage Youth Task Force
Benny Benson Secondary School
Boys & Girls Club – Southcentral Alaska
Choosing Our Roots
Clark Middle School
East High Dance Contempo
Girl Scouts of Alaska
Identity
Ignition Mentorship – Dimond High School
Koahnic Broadcast Corporation
League of Women Voters Anchorage / Anchorage Youth Vote
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Alaska
National Junior Honor Society
See Stories
Stone Soup Group
You Are Not Alone (YANA) – West High
You Are Not Alone (YANA) – Hanshew Middle School
Not a subscriber to our newsletters and regular information? Sign up HERE!
Teens who engage in regular, positive connections with both adults and peers show fewer signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, studies show. Spirit of Youth and Empowering Youth Voice to End Bullying, through the Alaska Teen Media Institute, recently produced PSAs for local radio stations, encouraging teens to reach out to each other on a regular basis.
Bullying is a major cause of suicide among youth, and the Empowering Youth Voice to End Bullying website provides Alaska adults and teens with several resources to help create connections, get information, and locate allies within their communities.
Families, friends, and community members joined together on Saturday, May 6 in celebration of the 2023 Spirit of Youth Award winners. Produced by Alaska Teen Media Institute members and hosted by the Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council, the ceremony featured winners and runners up for each of the eight categories, and included descriptions of their projects and community innovations.
Missed the ceremony? It is available to watch HERE.
*Nominations are now open for the 2024 awards! Know a young Alaskan between the ages of 12-19? Take a few minutes to nominate them for their outstanding work in service of Alaska.
Spirit of Youth is pleased to announce recipients of the 2023 Spirit of Youth Awards, recognizing 16 teens and youth groups from communities across Alaska. Now in its 25th year, the recognition ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023 via Zoom.
The Spirit of Youth Awards highlight dedicated young people and unsung heroes of our state, acknowledging the hard work and efforts of Alaska’s future leaders through sharing their inspiring stories. Selected by the Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council, individual recipients will receive a college savings scholarship account from Alaska 529, and awarded groups will receive a grant.
Individuals and groups will be honored by category:
PHOENIX AWARD
The Phoenix Award celebrates youth who display exceptional determination and perseverance as they overcome significant life challenges
Catheryne “Catey” Habberstad (Anchorage) is involved with South High School student government, and has mentored other students with cerebral palsy at her school and online through a website called CHASA (Childhood Hemiplegia and Stroke Association).
Runner-Up: Briley Loncar (Anchorage) is a mentor, volunteer, and advocate for those less fortunate. She donates her time to help empower young girls to set goals, prove their self-confidence, and become stewards of their own communities.
DREAMER AWARD
The Dreamer Award recognizes teens who are actively engaging in their community through the preservation of cultural practices and arts, those who share personal expression through visual or performing arts, and those who cultivate youth voice through media and digital art forms.
Sophia Moon Layos-Wagaman (Fairbanks) is an aspiring circus arts performer and competitive gymnast. She was the the first-ever recipient of the $5,000 Connecting Circus Students Around the World Tuition Grant for a U.S. Circus Artist of Color.
Runner-Up: Mazzy Adkins (Anchorage) is a skilled Athabaskan beader, creating a beading class for third and fourth-graders at her school. Mazzy helps shine a light on Indigenous knowledge, making it something desirable and important.
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
The Humanitarian Award recognizes youth who have put forth efforts to make their community a better place or are active in local or state government.
Alora Wassily, Trista Wasily, Harmony Larson (Dillingham) as 5th graders began an initiative to change the derogatory name of a local creek after learning the origins of the name during a presentation at the Curyung Tribal Council.
Runner-Up: Josephine “Josie” Violet Adasiak (Fairbanks) is the only Fairbanks representative for Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, addressing the issues of food justice and security in her community to improve sustainable and inclusive access to food for all.
VISIONARY AWARD
Visionary Award recognizes youth who have turned their creativity and knowledge into an entrepreneurial or economic venture.
Abbey Markell (Anchorage) started her own business from scratch, baking healthy, homemade dog treats for a local pet supply store’s two locations. Abbey gives away treats to family and friends, and expired treats go to the Alaska SPCA.
Runner-Up: Luke Jack (Angoon) is a longtime volunteer in the Alaska Youth Stewards program, addressing issues of local littering and marine debris in Southeast Alaska. He also serves his school through a small school cafe he created himself.
LIFESAVER AWARD
The Lifesaver Award celebrates youth who have gone above and beyond “the call of duty” by preventing injuries and illness and saving lives.
Sycely Wheeles (Anchorage) is a student leader with a passion for student mental health advocacy. Sycely has dedicated time and energy to raising public awareness of student mental health issues, and toward improving conditions for young people in Alaska.
Runner-Up: Leena Edais (Anchorage) is an advocate for tobacco prevention, co-writing a presentation for the Northwest Arctic Borough School District about the dangers of nicotine addiction. She is planning the 2023 Youth Encouraging Alaskans Health Summit.
ROLE MODEL AWARD
Teens nominated for the Role-Model Award lend a helping hand to peers and younger youth in their community.
Jaeden Binion(Anchorage) is an incredible leader and is passionate about spreading the message of inclusion. He is a Special Olympics Alaska athlete and is one of two Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors representing Alaska.
Runner-Up: Aaron Harkley (Anchorage) is an intuitive, natural leader as a longtime member of the Mountain View Boys & Girls Club, working to set up activities and events for younger members. Aaron is also a gifted student of music and video production.
INNOVATOR AWARD
The Innovator Award shines the spotlight on the efforts of youth who have shown excellence in the fields of math, science and engineering through research, study, or improvement in their community.
Mo Narus, Skylar Berg, and Grainne Rogacki (Anchorage) worked with Huffman Elementary PTO to start and facilitate a Science Club for students at their former elementary school.
Runner-Up: Hannah Lewellyn (Fairbanks) participates in Lego Challenge events that test students’ abilities in technology and science. She has assisted younger students with the skills of coding and problem-solving. She also works with homeless youth as a volunteer.
DISCOVERY AWARD
The Discovery Awardhighlights accomplishments made by youth in science with a specific focus on the environment.
Lauryn Maiyuraq Nanouk Jones(Unalakleet) is addressing problems like renewable energy and sustainability for rural Alaskans, and is focused on the bigger picture of helping remote communities regarding environmental issues, renewable energies, and gathering people together.
Runner-Up: Riga Grubis (Fairbanks) dedicates her time to the Model United Nations project. She also serves on the Friends of Creamer’s Field board of directors as its youngest member, and volunteers at Tanana Lakes to remove invasive vegetation.
Sponsors of the Spirit of Youth Awards include: Alaska Children’s Trust,Alaska 529, Altman, Rogers & Co, Atwood Foundation, Enstar Natural Gas, Mat-Su Health Foundation, and the Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund.
