Alexander designed and constructed mini book distribution centers and installed them around his community in an effort to increase literacy among children and support the 90% by 2020 initiative. Because of his leadership his book centers have distributed more than 1,300 books to children in the Anchorage area.
As part of his Eagle Scout service project, Ilia designed and constructed a bike helmet station so that youth at his church could bike more safely. He collected donations of new helmets from the community and has helped make sure kids are safe while riding their bikes.
East High School Student Government created two media projects to address teen driving safety issues. They engaged students with positive messages, creating healthy social norms and drawing awareness to the habit of using seat belts and refraining from distracted driving.
Alakanuk Youth Group provides community activities for children in an effort to reduce suicide and bullying. They promote healthy activities and are a support to youth in need.
Tshanna is dedicated to helping children in her village through volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club. When the facility isn’t available she helps coordinate with the school for gym use time. She knows how to make the most out of limited resources when it comes to teaching and playing with children.
This group of Voznesenka students got first-hand experience in local government when they worked with Homer City Council on an agenda last summer. They also led and facilitated the Project Grad Village Youth Forum live on KBBI AM 890 in Homer where they discussed village youth issues and interests.
Will is a youth board member of Radio Free Palmer as well as a volunteer. He fills in for the morning show, produces news pieces and interviews and assists with a student-run monthly radio show.
This is the third year Annie has organized and implemented the Ski-for-Aid, a 5k race to honor her middle school teacher. All the proceeds from the race are donated to Brother Francis Shelter. She has worked with Olympians Holly Brooks and Kikkan Randall on the Fast and Female events, which encourages young girls to be athletic and healthy. Annie also volunteers for local youth skiing programs.
The Hooper Bay Native Survivors Dance Group perform traditional and modern dances and songs. Through teamwork they create lifelong friendships and encourage one another to face life’s challenges with positivity.
Tatiana is passionate about learning her Alaska Native culture. She is involved in a Yupik dance group, works as a cultural ambassador at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and is on the Youth Leadership Council at East High School. She is committed to making a difference by changing community norms for her peers.
Kerri volunteers at the Anchorage Moose Lodge and uses the skills she gains there to teach young children. She is also involved in fundraising for the Scotty Gomez Foundation and has a passion for helping others.
Garrett is helping improve the quality of life for many people in the Tanana Valley through his giving and advocacy on behalf of United Way. He participates in all of his workplace United Way events such as the chili cook off and department competitions. He is an inspiration to all with his leadership and giving.
As part of a senior project Casey organized and participated in a campout event in Homer to bring awareness about youth homelessness to her community.
Kiana is passionate about her community and caring for children. She volunteers with youth in her church and mentors foster children. Her family adopted two children from the Philippines in 2011 and she has been committed to their being healthy and loved.
Middle schoolers at Northern Lights ABC School created the company Rest in Fleece, which sells student-made fleece blankets. The students pay wages to their employees, commission to their sales team, and made a 10% donation to Beans Cafe this year. They are empowered to run their own company, make their own decisions and experience the full life cycle of a business.
Joie led the “Treats for Troops” project at her school where students put together care packages for troops serving overseas. Joie was involved in every step of the project up to and including loading up the packages for shipment. She helped create a sense of community, togetherness and camaraderie among the student body.
Jocelyn volunteers for Junior Nordic Ski Club where she helps elementary school students learn to ski. She also leads Socially Active Youth Vocalizing Empowerment, a group that helps young people be heard.
Rowan was the only Alaskan chosen to be a part of the U.S. Women’s Ski Jumping Team’s Fly Girls camp. She is now sharing her experience with other girls and encouraging them to get involved in sports. She inspires girls to be confident and courageous.
Lacayah is passionate about becoming an educator and has plans to help change the education system to benefit Alaska Native youth. When she was keynote speaker at the 2015 First Alaskans Elders and Youth Conference she spoke about how Native youth need to learn resilience. She shared that she has suffered during her short life, but faith and persistence got her through those times.
