In the summer of 2017, 3 people almost perished in Eklutna Lake when their Kayak flipped over. The freezing water gave them hypothermia. Jordan ran all over the beach to find drift wood and started a fire to keep the victims warm until Emergency Services came. His brave efforts and quick action helped save lives.
Sayora is a Peer Educator at the Rec Room, and involved in Sources of Strength Peer group and Promoting Health Among Teens (PHAT), in partnership with the State of Alaska. She has organized the yearbook club, managed the timelines and themes, and is the reason the project is such a success.
Student guardians own a sign company called Be Original Signs. Using resources at home, students created stickers for the school and staff for a strive to “Go Higher.” Additionally, Mariah always goes out of her way to help, if she is asked to assist she is right there with a smile on her face.
Blake is a metalworker who both forges and welds projects as an entrepreneurial business. In addition, he has helped many people in the community jobs such as splitting firewood, construction projects and remodels, trail building, and metalworking, to name a few.
Kalah is part of Sources of Strength, a group of students that helps to build a positive school climate. She is also a part of the Kenai Peninsula Native Youth Leadership Club which fosters interconnection, collaboration and leadership between Native students throughout the school district.
Man Choir performs concerts for the community. They inspire other students to become involved with music, and they set a great example of a positive outcome from working hard, learning a new skill and developing human potentials.
Colten uses his raps to bring people together and build community. He shares his talents and assists students by teaching them to write lyrics and produce new beats. In this way, Colten provides a needed creative outlet for young people in Homer.
Kaydence raised over $300 and, with the help her grandma went, shopping and bagged up things such as socks, shampoo, water, snacks, hand wipes, etc. She then went and handed out these bags to homeless people.
Keaton Dolph decided to start an Applied Science Club at Kodiak High School. He worked with administration, found a sponsor, and recruited members. He plans meetings and activities, gathers materials, and trains the members, all on his own. The club is new and small, but his dedication is inspiring and impressive.
Helping Hooves is a horseback riding program for riders with special needs. Lynna has volunteered there for 3 – 5 years. Volunteers groom and tack horses, set up activities and games, work with riders and horses and put horses and equipment away.
Bai’s parents came to Alaska as Hmong refugees. She is the eldest of nine children and Bai is responsible for taking care of her siblings and supporting her parents as they navigate their new state and country.
Nyche has been a part of influencing the Anchorage School District (ASD) in making a policy that allows Native American and Alaska Native students to wear their respective regalia during high school graduation ceremonies.
The Aniak Jr/Sr High School Student Council embraces their culture and focuses on recognition of those that have made it possible. The student council plans events, networks with local businesses, elders and VIPs to ensure events run smoothly.
Jena is involved with the Aniak Jr/Sr High School Student Council. She is the Student Council representative to the Kuspuk School district board, she has volunteered at the Aniak Youth Center and tutored math. She was a key member in Math Science Expedition and a local project that preserved the stories of local elders.
By generously sharing his story of vulnerability, Juan allows other high school students a chance to open up about their own vulnerabilities and find connections. He is a positive role model to the more than 500 Anchorage high school students who have watched his story.
As part of the Lead On program, youth from around the state met in Anchorage to build skills and develop projects they could implement in their communities to prevent violence and build pride and resilience.
Chance graduated from high school this year with two associates degrees, Associate of Science and Associate of Arts General Program with Cum Laude Honors. He also applied and received a grant to start a dance group in his village.
Aunika began #Hashtaglunchbag in Anchorage. She organizes youth and adults to gather and prepare lunches for the homeless in Anchorage.
Rafael displays intelligence and leadership skills beyond his years. His strong inner drive has resulted in an academically, emotionally and socially intelligent young man. He is the owner and director of the Crepe Escape, a food booth in Kodiak. He donates 10 percent of Crepe Escape’s profits to the Brother Francis Shelter.
