Naomi was president of Future Educators of Alaska and a youth tribal council member on St. Paul Island. She is currently a campus senator at University of Alaska Southeast.
Sofia is passionate about climate change issues. She is an active member of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action. She has been involved with habitat restoration and resource monitoring efforts in Prince William Sound and in the Chugach National Forest.
Cephas is the CEO of Second to None Café, which serves food and beverages to students at the King Career Center. He has also spent eight years helping his mom with her assisted living businesses. Through his entrepreneurial experiences he has learned to work well with others and be a problem solver.
Leah is an active member of her community. She plays several sports and is on student council. She is committed to helping her peers who are dealing with loneliness.
Fiona is dedicated to helping others in her community. She is involved in activities at her church and is committed to helping her peers with any problems they may have.
Lydia has a passion for learning and spends extra time in the classroom helping other students. She wants to become a teacher so she can stay in the village of Gambell and help young people thrive.
Emily participates in the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s Salmon in the Classroom where students raise salmon from eggs and learn about ways to protect Alaska’s valuable wild salmon stocks for future generations.
Jillian is a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor in Sand Point. She assists elders with water aerobics classes and gives swim lessons to youth.
Stacia is an Alutiiq language learner who is passionate about passing on her culture. She teaches Alutiiq to seven different elementary school classes in Kodiak.
Faithe has organized several events in Metlakatla such as Red Ribbon Week, Walk for Life and Earth Day. She is committed to improving her community and encourages others to be involved.
Cadence has owned her own art business, Yang Wren Art, since she was 14. Last year she undertook a project where she researched, designed and created a mosaic project for a local garden. She has participated in the Copper River Stewardship Program and helped in the design and creation of an interpretive sign for a bioswale project.
Angelica lost both her legs in a car accident in 2014. She has met her new challenges with determination. With the support of her family, friends, community, and people from around the state, along with her optimism and positivity, Angelica has been able to overcome her challenges and lead a normal life.
Alyssa is dedicated to making her community a better place. Whether it’s counseling her peers, picking up litter, coaching a hockey team or volunteering at a local hospital, Alyssa will do what it takes to make a difference in people’s lives.
Emily is an arachnophile. She has spent countless hours educating youth groups around Eagle River about her pet tarantulas. Her enthusiasm for spider and reptile zoology inspires young people to embrace learning and to be excited about science.
Justin is dedicated to teaching his peers about healthy relationships. He helped create an educational video with Juneau’s Lead-On! group and has given lessons at Juneau high schools. He assisted in planning “TeenTopia,” an event where 150 local teens gathered to discuss the values of healthy relationships and respect.
Monica is dedicated to continuing the traditions of her Alaska Native culture. She is a member of the Cup’iit Qissunamiut Youth Group in Chevak where she has learned skills from creating fish traps to traditional mittens. She helps out elders and youth in her community from passing out food at Thanksgiving potlucks to assisting at the youth spaghetti feed.
Matthew volunteers with Anchorage Youth Soccer Club where he assists the coaches and teaches younger children soccer skills.
Keifer volunteers at Mat-Su Regional Hospital where he visits recovering patients and helps them feel more comfortable. He is committed to assisting people in a medical capacity and has already earned his EMT I & II certificates.
David is a tremendous support to his friends and advises them on the choices they’ve made and the possible consequences of their actions. Last year, David helped his best friend who had attempted suicide by picking him up from his house and checking him into the hospital. His thoughtfulness, calmness and loyalty directly influence his friends and family.
Keanu is a mentor and role model for hundreds of students at Bartlett High School. On Earth Day he planned, organized and implemented a community improvement project where 30 youth volunteered to make their neighborhood cleaner and safer. He is a natural leader and is committed to doing the most he can for his school and community.
