Spirit of Youth

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

Emmerson Kapp, a junior at Soldotna High School, leads with passion as the KPBSD Board of Education Student Representative. She represents students from 42 schools, gathering their input and sharing updates with the board. At meetings, she delivers reports and casts an advisory vote, ensuring student voices influence decisions.

Emmerson inspires peers to speak at board meetings, amplifying their perspectives. Her efforts promote collaboration, inclusivity, and student engagement. Through her advocacy, Emmerson is transforming her district to better meet students’ needs.

• Home Town Soldotna
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Dustty is a dedicated and active member of his community. As a camp den leader and welding instructor with Scouts of America, he has helped Scouts achieve merit badges while fostering their growth and skills. His volunteer efforts span numerous organizations, including The Salvation Army Operation Santa, the Fur Rondy Royalty Pageant, and the American Heart Association-Alaska.

Dustty’s willingness to help, no matter the task, has been evident since he was young. His commitment and enthusiasm make him a valued contributor to every project he undertakes. Through his work, Dustty continues to make a meaningful impact on those around him.

• Home Town EAGLE RIVER
• School District Healey school district
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Joshua is a dedicated youth leader and advocate. As the Student Advisory Board President for the Anchorage School District, he represents all students in the district. He also serves as Bar President of Anchorage Youth Court and Section 8 Representative on the National Federation of High Schools National Student Advisory Council. His impressive resume highlights his commitment to civic engagement and student representation across Anchorage and Alaska.

Joshua has been a long-standing member of the Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council. He approaches every project with ambition, compassion, and purpose. His leadership on youth-led initiatives amplifies student voices and drives meaningful change. Known for his kindness and integrity, Joshua inspires others while building strong connections within his community.

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

Michael is a highly motivated youth with strong ties to Anchorage and Southeast Alaska. He actively participates in ANSEP, the CITC FabLab internship, and Civil Air Patrol. In Civil Air Patrol, he mentors new cadets, teaching leadership, character development, and fitness while advancing through the program. As Cadet Aerospace Education Officer, he finds creative ways to spark interest in STEM among his peers. Michael also planned and spoke at the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Youth Healing Summit. He worked with the Alaska Youth Stewards Program to promote cultural and environmental resilience. His dedication and leadership make him an outstanding role model.

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

Mika is a dedicated high school student whose passion for helping others is evident in her impactful projects. As a freshman, she organized a month-long School Community Book Drive, collecting over 900 books for the Fairbanks Literacy Council to promote literacy and encourage community involvement. Mika handled every detail, from creating fliers to coordinating collections.

As a sophomore, Mika co-led the Sources of Strength Club and hosted a movie night fundraiser for the local Women’s Shelter. The event brought the community together, collecting essential items like hats and toiletries for women in need. Mika’s compassion and dedication make her a powerful advocate for positive change.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District FNSBSD
• Award Category Humanitarian

Kanna is a dynamic youth leader and co-founder of The Lynx Initiative (TLI), which gives Anchorage middle school students early access to STEM programs. Through TLI, she helps young students explore science and technology. Kanna also supports environmental conservation, joining beach clean-ups with the Ocean Club and promoting sustainability with Dimond’s Green Effects. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines in her creation of 3D-printed items, which she sells to fund TLI. Kanna’s dedication to STEM, environmental advocacy, and fundraising shows her strong commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

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

Hunter, president of Dimond Robotics, has expanded STEM access for Anchorage youth. He has volunteered over 120 hours this year, 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. His leadership helps Anchorage youth gain confidence and engage with STEM. Hunter’s work creates a supportive environment where students grow and realize their potential.

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

Nikkeah is a dedicated and generous member of the Indigenous Club, where she actively engages in learning and sharing about various Indigenous cultures, languages, arts, and songs. Known for her positivity and willingness to support her peers, she embodies a strong work ethic and a commitment to her community. In the club, Nikkeah participates in important discussions on issues like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, showing a deep understanding of the importance of awareness and education around this sensitive topic. Her dedication makes her an inspiring role model within the club and beyond.

• Home Town Eagle river
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Role Model

Dimond Robotics, a student-led team from Dimond High School, is transforming STEM access in Anchorage through The Lynx Initiative (TLI). Recognizing disparities in STEM opportunities, they developed TLI to make hands-on learning and robotics teams accessible to underserved youth. Hunter and Kanna, the driving force behind TLI, spent months researching STEM access gaps and started programs at Mountain View Elementary to reach kids who might not otherwise have this opportunity. Their efforts have grown from one community team to three, mentoring younger students and securing funding for sustainability. These programs not only teach robotics but also promote teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. The success of their mentorship includes Mountain View Elementary receiving the Breakthrough Award for their “Stuck Duck” project. Hunter and Kanna’s leadership and dedication are empowering Anchorage youth and reshaping the future of STEM access in the community.

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

Josiah 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.

• Home Town Kake
• School District Kake City Schools
• Award Category Innovator, Discovery

Dominic Blair took on a leading role as narrator in the SHI theater workshop, held over spring break in Ketchikan, where he inspired others by showing pride in his Alaska Native identity. Throughout the production, Dominic exemplified a strong work ethic and encouraged his peers, offering support to those struggling with lines or performance nerves. This play was a special opportunity to uplift Alaska Native youth by bringing a Tsimshian story to life on stage, and Dominic was a positive role model, motivating others to do their best. His dedication helped create a supportive atmosphere, celebrating indigenous excellence and leadership.

• Home Town Ketchikan
• School District Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Dreamer, Role Model