Spirit of Youth

Nanieezh Peter is one of four teens who were inspired to take action due to their personal experiences with climate change in their communities.  In their resolution they wrote about the severe impacts climate change is having on Indigenous ways of life and the spiritual and cultural well-being of Alaska Native communities. Their resolution declares a climate emergency and creates a climate action leadership task force to advance Indigenous voices and advocate for strong climate policies that will ensure the survival of future generations.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District Fairbanks Northstar Borough School District
• Award Category Discovery

Brandon is student body President at Service High. Through his roles in Student Government he has led many projects including the Miracle Minute to buy gifts for children in the Child in Transition program. When Brandon realized a few youth didn’t have a basketball team he organized a team to ensure they had the opportunity to play.

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

Zoe created the Sandwich Project at Palmer High School. She makes lunches for kids so they have food over the weekends. This project that she initiated started by helping six kids and has grown to now serving students grades K-12 in the immediate Palmer area to ensure that youth have something to eat while they are not at school. All fundraising and donations have been led by Zoe. She started by just making the meals in her home, since the project has grown so much she has moved it to the high school where the National Honor Society helps her put the meals together.

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

• Home Town Kenai
• School District KPBSD

Matt Davis and Jared Heaston saw a woman get hit by a vehicle and she projected six feet. They rushed to help her, and performed CPR and all life saving efforts prior to the arrival of the paramedics. They have shared their story with students and the community and they advocate for safe driving and helping those in need.

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

Eliyah is part of the Colony Middle School National Junior Art Honor Society. She also participated in the 2018 Tech Expo showcasing her 3D apartment which she designed during an interior design unit at Colony Middle School.

• Home Town WASILLA
• School District Matanuska Susitna Borough
• Award Category Discovery

This last year, for medical reasons, Macy faced some very serious challenges. Instead of becoming discouraged, Macy found ways to grow, shine, and thrive.

• Home Town Wasilla
• School District Matsu
• Award Category Phoenix

Taylor traveled to Ecuador with a group of middle schoolers to help a community in need. She helped build part of a school in a small community in the Andes.

• Home Town Wasilla
• School District Mat-Su Borough School District
• Award Category Role Model

Nyamiiri is a student leader at Bartlett High School where she mentors others. She overcame the obstacle of experiencing homelessness and now volunteers to provide food at shelters both locally and internationally.

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

Since her freshman year, Maria has volunteered at Children’s Lunch box and Stamp Out Hunger. Her family also runs the family clothing drive, collecting clothes to donate to the AWAIC shelter.

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

Karen offers insight to counselors and other adults when dealing with at-risk teens. She also applied and was selected to be on the local QPR team as well as the school leadership team.

• Home Town Wasilla
• School District Matsu Borough School District
• Award Category Lifesaver

Jadah comes to school every day and works hard to improve herself. She is a great role model for other students.

• Home Town Palmer
• School District Mat-Su
• Award Category Role Model

Kassy is always willing to support her peers and her teachers. She spreads joy and happiness with her diligence and happy demeanor. She is also involved with school sports.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Matanuska-Susitna School District
• Award Category Role Model

Sara is involved in Student Government at her school and state-wide. She built and stocked a small food pantry with some of her friends. She also works at the Fairbanks Children’s Museum.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District Fairbanks Northstar Borough School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Kalise is the Vice-President of the South High school Peer Mentorship Program. She is also a member of the Peer Mentorship program, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Partners Club, Tea Club and Gaming Club.

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

Jessica donates to the local animal shelter and participates in Toys for Tots. She also participates in races that support the homeless and contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness.

• Home Town PALMER
• School District Mat-Su School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Paul is an unbiased student leader, who gives his peers the benefit of the doubt and uses his natural, friendly, outgoing personality to help his peers be better versions of themselves.

• Home Town Wasilla
• School District Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
• Award Category Role Model

Avery helps promote protection for natural resources on the Kuskokwim River Delta. He has worked in the Fisheries Department at the Native Government for the last four years.

• Home Town Bethel
• School District
• Award Category Discovery

Anchorage recently experienced a 7.0 earthquake and Sara’s school was hit hard. Everyone dove under their desks to take cover. Sara remained calm and supportive of her classmates.

• Home Town Palmer
• School District Matanuska Susitna Borough School District
• Award Category Role Model

Harriett helps with behavior in all classrooms, grades K-12. She encourages everyone, even adults in her community. When a kid or baby is being fussy or not listening Harriett is right there beside them trying to calm them down.

• Home Town Golovin
• School District Bering strait School District
• Award Category Role Model