Spirit of Youth

The T3 Alaska student group in Wrangell demonstrated remarkable innovation and leadership through their work on the Capitol Christmas Tree project. Collaborating with inventor Brian Ashton, the students 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. Their system ensured the tree’s hydration and oxygenation, successfully preserving its health for six weeks.

This project not only addressed a complex challenge but also fostered community pride and collaboration, inspiring other students to engage in local projects. The students’ adaptability, dedication, and teamwork led to the healthiest Capitol Christmas tree ever seen, highlighting their role as problem-solvers and community leaders. Their work serves as a model for how youth can make a meaningful impact with the support of their community.

• Home Town Wrangell
• School District Wrangell School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Innovator

Jackson has shown exceptional initiative as a See Stories Intern, creating a short film on the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) for statewide classes. He conducted over seven interviews with diverse voices, including Alaska Native Elders and former Governor Frank Murkowski, showcasing his maturity and organizational skills.

Beyond academics, Jackson mentors middle school students in filmmaking and is creating a documentary on declining salmon populations in Wrangell, aiming to raise awareness at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Balancing school, work, and family, Jackson is an inspiring leader in his community.

• Home Town Wrangell
• School District Wrangell School District
• Award Category Dreamer, Discovery

Arianna is a talented artist and advocate who uses cultural crafts to address social and mental health issues. As a member of YAHA, they provide valuable insights to improve public health programs for Alaskan youth.

Arianna’s beaded earrings, symbolizing suicide prevention, were featured in the 988Create campaign, raising awareness about the 988 suicide hotline. They also helped shape the campaign’s theme and created materials to encourage Native youth participation.

Their earrings, highlighting the missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) cause, were displayed at the U.S. Department of the Interior. At the 2024 Lead On! summit, Arianna demonstrated leadership, inspiring peers to engage in discussions about mental health and cultural expression.

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

Natalie Hannula is a dedicated youth leader making a significant impact through initiatives like the Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska (YAHA), where she helps shape statewide health programs and shares youth stories through newsletters. In her school’s You Are Not Alone (YANA) club, she organizes events and shares suicide prevention resources like 988Create.

As the founder of Keys to the Future (KTF), Natalie addresses gaps in youth education about adulthood, offering workshops on financial literacy and cultural perspectives, including collaborations with the Alaska Native Tribal Heritage Center. With over 130 participants and 10 presentations this year, Natalie’s nonprofit empowers her peers with vital knowledge. Balancing a rigorous schedule and personal growth, Natalie exemplifies resilience and a passion for community service.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage
• Award Category Life Saver, Visionary

Jayden Lampe is an outstanding leader and advocate for her community. As a Youth Organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, she has led campaigns on food security and climate action, including helping youth from across Alaska call for a climate emergency. Jayden’s leadership extends beyond state-level advocacy; in her hometown of Utqiagvik, she holds key roles like class president, executive board member of the Alaska Association of Student Governments, and youth representative for the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. She has also led efforts for increased state funding for public schools and inspired peers through her work on climate change and education. Jayden’s dedication to her community and her ability to empower and mentor other rural and Indigenous youth make her a powerful role model.

• Home Town Utqiagvik
• School District North Slope Borough School District

Angel is a quiet but powerful leader, excelling in both school and community activities. As a Junior, she participates in Student Council, Angoon Youth Stewards, basketball, and works at Eagle Espresso, all while maintaining top grades. Her leadership is evident through her commitment to projects like creating films for Angoon’s community, including a recent film about the 1882 bombardment of Angoon and its healing process.

Angel has traveled to Hawaii and Texas for internships and conferences, and completed a college-level course on community mapping. She leads by example, working behind the scenes to ensure success, whether preparing for community events or staying late to clean up. Her dedication to her community and personal growth makes her a true inspiration.

• Home Town Angoon
• School District Chatham School District
• Award Category Dreamer, Discovery

Raedyn leads at the Alaska Theatre of Youth, volunteering at school break camps and organizing activities to support others. He is part of the team producing Alaska’s first youth-led theater production, raising funds through various efforts. As the chair of the Public Relations committee, Raedyn manages media outreach and interviews. He also serves on the Stellar Secondary School Student Council.

Despite personal challenges, including being neurodivergent and legally blind, Raedyn remains positive and hardworking. He volunteers at the Downtown Hope Center, organizes food drives, and provides childcare for those in need. His talent in theatre was discovered through improv, and he continues to train in voice and ballet, enriching the arts community.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District ASD
• Award Category Phoenix, Dreamer

Splish Splash Productions (SSP), a youth-led group within the Alaska Theatre of Youth, has taken on the challenge of producing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Over the past eleven months, SSP has raised more than $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, with a goal to engage as many youth as possible and even double-cast roles for backup performers.

Through this project, SSP has not only developed their skills in theater production but also built their confidence, proving that youth can lead with remarkable success. They aim to take the show on tour across Alaska, promoting both the arts and literacy while inspiring other young people to believe in their potential.

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

Sarah Kim leads efforts to connect high school students with senior citizens. She founded Music for Hearts, a volunteer group with 40 teen musicians. They perform at senior homes and medical facilities across Alaska, brightening lives and raising over $500 for Alzheimer’s families.

Sarah advises the Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska, focusing on campaigns like the 988 Crisis Line. At West High School, she founded the Self-Care Club and the STEM Tutoring Club. She also creates sack lunches for homeless families through Interact Club and teaches youth tennis.

Sarah’s work bridges generational gaps and inspires others to build community and use their talents to uplift others.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District ASD
• Award Category Humanitarian, Dreamer

Tikvah Olson exemplifies dedication and compassion, spending five years supporting Alaska’s at-risk youth and families. Even as a camper, she helped prepare camps, organized logistics, and created welcoming spaces. Her care shines through her effort to bake a personal birthday cake for each of the 50 campers, ensuring every child feels valued and loved.

As a program graduate, Tikvah inspires young volunteers to take on leadership roles and make a difference. She contributes to programs like the Resilient Warriors Club and REACH 907, giving youth hope and strength. Her dream to lead these programs shows her passion and commitment to creating brighter futures for Alaska’s youth.

• Home Town Palmer
• School District Matsu Borough
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

This group of students has transformed their school’s approach to recycling, starting a program four years ago that continues to grow and inspire. Initially focused on paper and cardboard, they expanded to include plastic and aluminum, working with local waste management and the school district. They’ve set a strong example by placing recycling bins throughout the school, collecting weekly, and tracking the waste they divert from landfills. The students regularly update peers and staff about their progress, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Older students mentor younger ones, ensuring the program’s future even as they graduate. Their efforts not only reduce landfill waste but make recycling a standard practice for the school and beyond.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District Fairbanks North Star School District
• Award Category Visionary, Role Model

Girl Scout Troop 436 is tackling microplastic pollution by advocating for a ban on plastic glitter in the Anchorage School District. Through their BioGlitter Initiative, the girls are raising awareness about the harmful effects of traditional glitter on health and the environment. They’ve taken action by creating a survey for art teachers, launching an informative website, starting a petition, and producing a compelling video. Each member plays a key role in 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. Troop 436’s efforts inspire others to make small changes that lead to big environmental impacts.

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

Matthew Wilson is a passionate and determined young leader who brought the American Heart Challenge program to Colony Middle School, raising over $1,500 for life-saving heart research and education. Motivated by his father’s passing from heart disease in 2020, Matthew worked tirelessly as the liaison between his school and the American Heart Association, learning and promoting life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of stroke. Beyond coordinating the month-long challenge, he also organized and staffed a successful Italian Soda fundraiser during school track and field 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 continually seeks out service opportunities to support his Matsu Valley community. His leadership, compassion, and commitment to building a healthier, safer community make him an inspiring hero for hearts everywhere.

• Home Town Palmer
• School District MatSu Valley
• Award Category Life Saver, Phoenix

Anna is a trailblazer who has opened doors for adaptive athletes in Anchorage School District and ASAA sports, creating a smoother path for others who use adaptive equipment. Over the past four years, she has excelled as the only wheelchair tennis player and seated track athlete in the district, competing at the All-State level in track and aspiring to join the Paralympics in Alpine skiing. Beyond her achievements in sports, she plays sled hockey with Challenge Alaska, inspired the creation of Alaska Dance Theatre’s first wheelchair dance class, and performs with South High’s choir and orchestra.

Anna’s bravery, resilience, and leadership inspire not only youth with disabilities but all young people, exemplifying perseverance and courage. By bringing awareness and respect for differences to the forefront of her activities, Anna is redefining inclusion in Alaska. Her unwavering determination and ability to lead by example make her a role model for her peers and a true force for change.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District ASD
• Award Category Phoenix, Role Model

Arianna is an exceptional leader and advocate for her community, exemplified through her involvement with the Tundra Women’s Coalition Teens Acting Against Violence (TAAV) group. She has participated in numerous violence-prevention and community events, including writing and acting in peer education videos on healthy relationships, speaking at Bethel’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day march, and attending the statewide teen leadership conference, Lead On. Arianna takes every opportunity to educate, support, and inspire others while passionately preserving cultural traditions, subsistence practices, and stewardship of the land.

As a leader in JROTC, cheerleading, and her job at the fitness center, Arianna inspires her peers to engage in healthy, positive activities. She balances her passions with academic excellence, graduating high school with an associate degree through the ANSEP program and planning to pursue law school. Her dedication to suicide prevention, dropout prevention, and climate change advocacy demonstrates her commitment to creating lasting, positive change in her community and beyond.

• Home Town Bethel
• School District LKSD
• Award Category Role Model

Isabella exemplifies excellence in leadership, academics, and community engagement. She has achieved honor roll every term since sixth grade and earned membership in the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. As Senior and Junior Class President, Isabella has demonstrated outstanding leadership, further recognized by prestigious awards such as the JROTC Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement and the Alaska National Guard Sergeant Major Award for Leadership. A state champion in JROTC Unarmed Regulation and recipient of the Adjutant General’s Certificate of Excellence, Isabella’s accomplishments highlight her commitment to excellence and discipline.

Her dedication extends beyond academics and leadership roles, serving as a Cultural Heritage Intern with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, where she aided Alaska Native corporate officers in meaningful projects. Through her achievements and example, Isabella inspires others, particularly Alaska Native youth, to excel in academics, leadership, and cultural preservation, demonstrating that success is achievable across multiple endeavors with determination and effort.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage
• Award Category Visionary, Role Model

Caitlin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication by volunteering with the KMS Drama Club, supporting younger students in their theatrical journey. A former member of the club herself, she now gives back by organizing props, attending every rehearsal, and participating in Saturday workdays, all while balancing her commitments to the high school drama club. Her creativity has been invaluable, offering innovative ideas that have streamlined projects and inspired the students.

Caitlin’s organizational skills have transformed the props closet into a functional space, and her initiative ensures the auditorium is secure and well-maintained. Her commitment to mentoring and guiding middle school students has been a tremendous asset, making her a positive role model for aspiring thespians. Her dedication and enthusiasm have not only strengthened the drama program but also shown the impact of investing in younger generations.

• Home Town Kodiak
• School District KIBSD
• Award Category Role Model

Alden King, an eleventh grader at Steller Secondary School, exemplifies the transformative power of youth leadership through his passion for education and literacy. His most notable achievement is the expansion of the library at Kiaoni Day/Boarding School in Kenya, where he provided early reader books and textbooks to foster literacy and academic success among young learners. Alden’s initiative reflects his ability to turn vision into action, as he navigated complex logistics, mobilized resources, and collaborated with international partners to address educational disparities in underserved communities.

Despite facing challenges such as cultural differences and limited resources, Alden’s resilience and commitment to his mission have made a tangible impact. His youth-led project not only empowers students in Kenya but also inspires his peers in Anchorage to believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. Alden’s leadership, empathy, and determination embody the Spirit of Youth’s mission, making him a powerful role model and a driving force for global progress in education.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Ander is a talented and dedicated youth leader actively involved in his school and community. He served as King in the 2023 4th of July royalty competition and starred as the Prince in a local production of Cinderella. As a member of the T3 tech club, Ander helped design and install the remote camera system at Annan, supported the 2024 Capitol Christmas Tree selection with drone technology, and contributed to the tree misting system. He also attended the Capitol Christmas Tree receptions and ceremony in Washington, DC.

Ander is a skilled musician, singing in the school choir and playing 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 passion for engineering and problem-solving shines through his work on community-focused projects like the Annan wildlife cameras, which benefit Wrangell’s tourism and promote national exposure for the region’s wildlife. A natural leader, Ander collaborates well with both peers and adults, consistently demonstrating initiative and teamwork.

• Home Town Wrangell
• School District Wrangell Public School District
• Award Category Innovator, Role Model

Jasmine Yang is a dedicated leader in her church’s Hmong youth group and a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and community service. She has served on a mission assisting Navajo elders in Washington and Oregon and actively supports the younger Hmong generation by teaching the significance of their heritage and language. Jasmine also contributes to her community by providing food to the homeless, preparing boxes for families in need, and volunteering at Beans Cafe to bring joy to children and youth.

Her efforts extend to environmental initiatives, including participating in spring clean-up events to reduce litter in her community. Jasmine emphasizes the importance of education in preserving cultural roots and encourages youth to stay connected to their heritage while striving for success. She exemplifies the values of leadership, compassion, and dedication to making a positive impact.

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