Linaya is dedicated to helping others in need. She volunteers with Mat-Su Santa and is an aide in her school’s special education class.
Alicia is president of her class and volunteers each year for the state fair. She assisted with the Skyview and Soldotna High School merger and through student council has helped with relations between the two student bodies.
Grace is president of Colony Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society where she leads officer and chapter meetings. The chapter is working to raise money and goods for My House, a local organization that supports homeless teens. She is a natural leader and role model to her peers.
Isabella writes and produces news stories for her school. She assists other students in their media production projects and also regularly helps out at the local senior center.
Madison assists in the special needs classroom at Colony Middle School and prepares students for life outside of the home when they are older. She acts as a student delegate on field trips and helps out with the Special Olympics.
Colten is a leader among his Sand Point peers. He serves on the Sand Point City Council and works with with Re-Claim Alaska to promote healthy choices for students.
Shiann is dedicated to educating her peers about the risks of obesity and the importance of healthy diets and regular exercise. Since her presence at a community health fair and multiple classroom presentations she has seen her peers exercise more, track what they eat and drink more water.
Brice created, implemented and now manages a communications app at South Anchorage High School that is central to sharing news and activities with students, staff and parents. The app not only creates a sense of community at school but it has also increased participation in school events.
Nora and Maddie have been instrumental in forming a Spoken Word Club at West High School. They have hosted three school poetry slams and encouraged others to speak and write poetry.
Arusha has volunteered with several Interior Alaska Green Star recycling events. She is passionate about reducing e-waste and is working on implementing an electronics recycling drive at her school to help raise awareness among her peers about the availability of electronics recycling in her community.
Byron participates in the Take Wing Alaska program where he is a role model and a leader to his fellow classmates. On his spare time he shares the singing and dancing traditions of his Alaska Native culture by making YouTube videos and uploading them to his Facebook page, “I Sing. You Dance.”
Robbie has FASD and educating Alaskans about his disability is one of his top priorities. In addition to taking classes with the Alternative Career Education program and working at Wal-Mart, he talks to UAA nursing students about how to best provide treatment to patients with this disability.
Alex started his own videography and photography company at age 15. His talent for capturing special moments was featured on “Good Morning America” when he attached a GoPro camera to a tossed bridal bouquet. He plans on putting his technical skill to use in the community by creating a documentary about homelessness in Anchorage.
Elliese was a summer intern for the Begich campaign. She organized a successful youth rally and recruited several schoolmates to participate. She is passionate about bettering her community through educating youth, recycling and supporting LGBTQ rights.
The Awana student leaders at Montana Creek Baptist Church work as a team to mentor younger children by playing games, conducting story time, and teaching music with sign language. They have a passion for serving the community and are role models to young people in Talkeetna.
Harrison is an active volunteer in his community. Whether he is ringing the Salvation Army bell, helping out at the recycling center or teaching Sunday school at his church, he is committed to helping those around him.
Donvin and a friend are planning on creating a school-wide campaign to address the issues of bullying and judgment. They hope to spread their message at assemblies and with posters.
Marieana has been at the forefront of the anti-drug movement in Sand Point, leading her peers and telling the adults what teens of the community need to be their healthiest, most successful selves. She initiated, planned and facilitated Red Ribbon Week activities at her school where students of all ages were invited to participate in games and celebrate being drug free.
