Jivan created Kick-It-Kids for Change where he uses martial arts training to inspire youth to make a difference in their communities. He is president of the North Star Youth Court bar and volunteers throughout the community.
Christian cares deeply about the health and well-being of her peers. She is a student advocate for Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence and is a member of Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska. She raised funds and organized a special event that brought community youth and safe adults together to work on a project while exploring and learning about Unalaska’s environment and local resources.
Triston and Dillon are lifelong hunters, trappers, and commercial and subsistence fisherman who provide for their families and elders. They actively lobby officials and representatives in State and Federal governments to protect their home environment and future ability to commercial fish and subsist in Bristol Bay.
Jared and Quinn created “Hope for Homeless Youth” as part of a theology school project. They collected items from Covenant House’s Wish List, organized a clothing drive and planned and participated in awareness events. They also organized a panel discussion addressing human trafficking and youth.
Kindra volunteers in a kindergarten classroom after school each day where she assists the teacher, runs small groups and works with individual students to support their academic and social emotional development. She also assists incoming Steller Secondary School students and is a Municipal Library Teen Liaison.
The Youth Vote 2014 Planning Team planned and coordinated several youth events such as a televised candidate forum, a candidate meet-and-greet and a student mock ballot. By creating opportunities for politicians to speak directly with youth on their concerns, the Youth Vote Planning Team inspires their peers to be involved in the local democratic process.
Sarah founded the non-profit “Alaska Kids for Kids” where she empowers youth to celebrate their birthdays by helping, recognizing and inspiring other youth. Her website features other kids’ service projects and accomplishments. Each year her organization chooses a different youth-serving non-profit and spends the year donating goods, services or raising funds.
Reagan assisted with training 4-6th graders in becoming peer mediators for 1st grade students. She helped the students with conflict resolution skills such as active listening and encouraged their participation throughout the training.
The Eagle River High School hockey team volunteers in the community every year. This holiday season they helped the Salvation Army distribute food and gifts. They also worked on leadership development with Joint Base Elmandorf-Richardson paratroopers.
Shyanne has completed more than 400 hours of community service in the Mat-Su area during the past year. Whether she’s teaching young children to swim, serving meals to Veterans of Foreign Wars or facilitating a stuffed animal drive for homeless youth, Shyanne understands that serving her community is part of achieving her life goals.
Blake is a swim coach and volunteers all around the city of Kodiak. Whether he’s helping kids cross the street at school or assisting at the Pink Salmon Derby, Blake is an enthusiastic leader who inspires others to lend a helping hand.
Jessica has served on the Prince of Wales Island Chamber of Commerce and has traveled to Juneau to meet with senators and representatives. She is currently working with the State to get more Scenic By-Ways signs installed around the island to increase public awareness.
Elena is legally blind, but she doesn’t let this get in the way of pursuing her goals and serving her community. She volunteers with her church, does community outreach in the Mat-Su area and is an excellent student.
Angel spent the summer volunteering at Thrifters Rock, a thrift store that raises money to build a new church in Palmer.
Annaka has served as a teaching assistant to a youth program at her church and leads in other areas of worship. Annaka also attended a mission trip to Savoonga, Alaska to help lead a Vacation Bible School and help with repairs to the church.
Victoria spent the summer volunteering with Thrifters Rock, a second-hand store that raised money to build a new church in Palmer.
Katy has a prosthetic leg, but doesn’t let her disability get in the way of her passions and goals. She volunteers regularly with her church and is an avid snowboarder.
Emilia volunteers with The Literacy Council of Alaska and a local afterschool program. She helps young children with reading skills, facilitates craft projects, offers advice and is an overall role model to those around her.
Siena is a Kids Don’t Float ambassador at Steller Secondary School. Her efforts have helped educate Alaska’s youth on the dangers of cold water immersion and the importance of always wearing a life jacket while boating.
