Along with other students, Jakira created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.
Along with other students, Ana Hokenson created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.
Fatoumata and fellow students created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.
Along with other students, Abigail Burke created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.
Abigail demonstrates responsibility and diligence in all she does, whether it be course work, horsemanship, cleaning stalls, attending enrichment activities, or church attendance. She chooses personal friends that enrich her life and chooses to do the same for them.
Sharon attends an after School program called the Schoolyard, a program through Cook Inlet Tribal Council. She continues to do everything she can to ensure the continuation of the program, including leading a group of 20 youth to meet with the CEO of CITC.
Carlee created and established the Nikiski Children’s Fund, which is now expanding to become the Peninsula Children’s Fund. She has fundraised thousands of dollars for Nikiski North Star Elementary and Nikiski Middle/High School that teachers and staff can use whenever they see that a child or family has a need.
Gillian is actively involved in the local FFA group. She participates in competitions at both a state and national level in FFA. She also volunteers at The Learning Farm in Anchorage and cares for the animals in addition to teaching local children about the animals.
When Grace moved to Colony High School, she volunteered to take over as choreographer for the Colony MS Drama. This position includes lots of summer work to design the choreograph with the director and music director, along with researching many of the shows she has designed.
Gabby collected a dozen photos and quotes from Shishmaref community members about why salmon is important to them and why we should protect them. She also wrote a piece that was published nationally by the League of Conservation Voters.
Eve spent a fellowship canvassing alongside the Cook Inlet Keeper, from door knocking to street canvassing. She worked a number of big events like Wild Alaska Salmon Day and Progress Days in Soldotna, and SalmonFest on the Kenai Peninsula.
The Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) Youth Salmon Fellows (YSFs) are a group of young Alaskans who worked on the issue of salmon habitat in their communities. Jennifer McCumber focused on collecting stories, hosting events, and canvassing in both Utqiagvik and around the state. Over the summer, Jennifer tabled at the Inuit Circumpolar Council and spoke to prominent arctic leaders about the importance of salmon. Jennifer ended her fellowship by hosting a salmon-making art party for the kids in Utqiagvik.
The Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) Youth Salmon Fellows (YSFs) are a group of young Alaskans who worked on the issue of salmon habitat in their communities. Julia Scully hosted a successful stream clean-up at Eklutna and capped her fellowship with an open mic, where Alaskans were invited to share why they believe salmon is important to them using anything from song to speech. She also wrote an op-ed, canvassed businesses for support, and canvassed Palmer residents about ballot measure 1.
No More Mat-Su is a youth-led organization whose goal is to end domestic violence and sexual assault in the Mat-Su Valley. NMMS is in its 5th and last year, students organized an event at the Glenn Massey Theater called Rock the Resilience. They are currently working on the second annual Rock the Resilience.
Matt Davis and Jared Heaston saw a woman get hit by a vehicle. They rushed to help her, performed CPR and all life saving efforts prior to the arrival of the paramedics. The female driver was unable to be saved. They have shared their story with students and the community, while advocating for safe driving and helping those in need.
Chugiak Fire and Rescue members arrived to find Michael Wheatley home alone valiantly performing CPR on his 18 year-old brother Tristen, with whom he was rough housing just moments before. Michael’s recognition of cardiac arrest, notification of EMS and treatment played a significant role in Tristen’s survival.
Natalia’s involvement in learning the Alutiiq language, using the language, working with the Alutiiq immersion preschool, being an Alutiiq dancer as well as her involvement with Native Youth Olympics is an inspiration to the other youth to be proud of their Alutiiq culture.
In December 2017, Angela was diagnosed with FASD. Anchorage FASD Diagnostic Team thought that she would be an excellent spokesperson and financially supported her to attend an international conference in Canada.
Ashley was born with a rare genetic disorder called Turner Syndrome. To bring awareness, she reached out to the Governor of Alaska and the Mayor of Anchorage to get a proclamation signed to have Turner Syndrome added to rare disease day and declare February as Turner Syndrome Awareness month.
The Innoko River School middle and secondary students worked together with adults to find a young girl who was missing. This act of heroism and bravery epitomizes a tradition that we have in our village: to never leave anyone behind.
