Spirit of Youth

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. With partnerships across the community, Dimond Robotics is creating spaces where students of all abilities can engage with STEM, fostering an environment of inclusion and support. Through programs like the FIRST LEGO League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and unique initiatives like “Stuck Duck,” Dimond Robotics promotes emotional resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving among young learners. The group’s commitment extends beyond just building robots—they’re empowering Anchorage’s youth to bridge gaps in STEM access, particularly for middle schoolers affected by recent structural changes in local schools.

• 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

Teagann, now in her second term as student body president, has shown exceptional leadership by creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment. Her initiative to establish an on-campus weight room has given students and families in the community a much-needed space for fitness, especially valuable in their rural Alaskan village where fitness facilities are scarce. As varsity volleyball captain and a student taking college courses alongside high school, Teagann leads by example, balancing her commitments while encouraging her peers to excel. Through student government, she organizes community events that bring together people from all parts of the village, fostering a sense of belonging and lifting the morale of even the most remote members.

• Home Town Port Alsworth
• School District Lake & Peninsula School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Knud is a dedicated volunteer who makes a profound impact on youth-led, trauma-informed projects at REACH 907. His work starts well before camp, as he prepares supplies and logistics, ensuring everything is ready for these critical programs. At camp, Knud connects directly with at-risk youth, offering support, guidance, and compassion. This summer, he even served as a mentor, helping young people find hope and build resilience. By building trust and showing genuine care, Knud empowers these youth to feel valued, helping to foster positive futures.

• Home Town Chugiak
• School District Anchorage School District (homeschooled)
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

The STAR Team, made up 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 when someone needs help. Throughout the year, the team presents suicide prevention slideshows in each homeroom, teaching students to recognize warning signs and seek help. Eighth-grade STAR members also give anti-bullying presentations to 5th graders to help them prepare for middle school. STAR students promote a drug-free lifestyle during Red Ribbon Week and set an example of positive citizenship for their peers.

• Home Town Palmer
• School District MSBSD
• Award Category Life Saver

As senior student council president, Braxton is a friendly and hardworking leader who sets a positive tone for his peers in Aleknagik. His dedication shines through his volunteer work, from helping with school fundraisers to motivating his teammates as co-captain of the basketball team. Beyond school, he proudly wears the title of “uncle,” guiding his nieces and nephew with kindness and wisdom, and always making time to teach and play with them. Braxton’s influence as a role model inspires both his peers and family to strive for their best.

• Home Town Dillingham
• School District Southwest region schools
• Award Category Role Model

Arthur Frank, president of Craig High School, brings positivity and kindness to his school and community. He’s dedicated to supporting school activities, finding new ways to fund sports, and inspiring others with his drive and generosity. Outside of school, Arthur volunteers regularly, helps with community projects, and even runs his own wood-selling business. Known for his hard work and empathy, he often visits local elders to see if they need firewood, groceries, or any help. Arthur’s dedication and compassion make him a respected and valued member of the Craig community.

• Home Town Hollis
• School District Craig City School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Quinzee has volunteered over 100 hours with Challenge Alaska Adaptive Ski & Ride School, becoming a certified sit-ski instructor and inspiring friends to join. As the program’s most dedicated volunteer under 18, she focuses on student safety and confidence, helping them fit harnesses, ride the chairlift, and overcome fears. Her commitment grew even stronger after her brother’s recent accident left him with quadriplegic paralysis. Quinzee’s passion for adaptive recreation shines through her work, breaking down barriers and empowering people with disabilities to experience freedom and joy on the slopes.

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

Holly is a remarkable 16-year-old who has stepped up to care for her family during tough times. Instead of working to save for driving school, she stays home to look after her younger sister, ensuring her family stays together and stable. Holly supports anyone who needs a friend and gives selflessly. After her father’s car accident, she prepared his meals, checked on him daily, and managed the groceries and cooking. With dreams of becoming a massage therapist and chiropractor, Holly is already well on her way to a life of caring for others.

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

Bailee teaches and models Yupik dance to youth and community members, leading performances at most community events. She fishes and preserves salmon in the summer, hunts moose and Spruce hens, and gathers plants and berries. Bailee shares her harvests generously with Elders, family, and the community. In 2023, she represented Bristol Bay at the Elders and Youth Conference. She works to preserve traditional Yupik dance and subsistence living, passing on vital knowledge. Her efforts help her community stay connected to their culture and access essential resources.

• Home Town Dillingham
• School District Dillingham City School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Annabella leads as a committed community volunteer, promoting anti-bullying and supporting those in need. She actively participates in Sources of Strength, cross country, volleyball, and the BRAVE anti-bullying program. She promotes anti-bullying through presentations, book readings, and has sent over 65 packages with positive messages to all 50 states. Annabella organized and donated more than 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to foster care. Passionate about addressing bullying, encouraging volunteerism, and inspiring positive change, she regularly bakes for the local Food Bank and Bread Line, always finding new ways to make a difference in her community.

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

Bella is known for her kind heart and caring nature. She lifts others up with encouraging words, a helping hand, or by listening. At South Anchorage High School, Bella serves as a student leader. She was Freshman Class Vice President and now serves as Commissioner of Community Service. Bella represents her peers on the Anchorage School District Student Advisory Board and the Executive Board as Public Relations Officer. Recently, she became a Youth Ambassador for the Equal Rights Commission, continuing her commitment to advocacy and service.

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

Sarah Kim is the founder and facilitator of Music for Hearts, an organization that brings musically devout teens together to play instruments and sing at senior care centers and facilities. She is first year member of the Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska, where she engages full-heartedly with kindness and compassion and everything that she does. Her thoughtful guidance and tireless support of youth mental health in Alaska inspired her to invest her passion back into the community.

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

Renee has been active in the West Valley High School student government and recently served as co-host of the WVHS School Board candidate forum. Last October, she and other WVHS students planned a solidarity rally in support of Mat-Su students, who were holding their own walkout that same day to protest the action of their school board in removing 53 books and the school board’s student representative position from the board. Her work in student government and student advocacy provides an important voice often unheard or overlooked when decisions are being made.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Rebekah is a long time volunteer for many different organizations and causes. She makes the time while balancing school work, being a member of D.Em competitive dance squad, and working. Rebekah volunteers at a local elementary school with students and teachers and helping at their annual school carnival fundraiser. In the summer, she helps assist her dance studio is guiding younger dancers. Rebekah was a guest dignitary at the 1st Walk to End Alzheimers on the Kenai Peninsula. She has also volunteered with Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Pie Auction to raise money for local scholarships and programs.

She believes it is important to help the youth in our community find and use their passion to battle bullying since she herself was the victim of bullying and has worked her way back to a healthy state of mind using dance.

• Home Town Kenai
• School District Kenai Peninsula School District
• Award Category Role Model

Maddy is passionate about inclusivity, respect, and dignity for the special-needs community in Alaska. She 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 Unified Track at Service (in which special needs students participate with partners in track and field events) since her freshman year, and helped lead her team to win State and qualify for the 2022 National Special Olympics competition. Maddy has also helped increase access to mental health resources for Alaska teens through her work as a mental health advocate. She 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, to further help teens dealing with mental health issues.

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