Shanelle began an initiative at Mount Edgecumbe High School to get local seafood into the school meal program. She created an outreach campaign to educate students on the importance of local eating. Once local food was secured in her own school she took her campaign to the legislative session to further educate Alaskans about food security and preserving culture.
Gabrielle is committed to serving her community. She volunteers for several local causes and spends time with young children at her church and a local elementary school. She created the Miss Snowflake Pageant, specifically designed to spotlight girls with special needs and their abilities.
Christian is a film maker in Anchorage. Recently he produced a short film called “Skateboarding in Alaska,” which was featured at the “After School Special ” youth film screening put on by the Bear Tooth Theater and Alaska Teen Media Institute. His films provide an opportunity for young Alaska skaters to have a voice and showcase their talents.
Brooke was passionate about children and science. She volunteered for six years at the STARBASE Program, which helps at-risk youth with science, technology, engineering and math. She also volunteered more than 400 hours at the Children’s Lunchbox. She is responsible for helping students recognize the value of volunteerism.
The Anchorage Youth Development Coalition LGBTQ Youth Interns engaged in youth-led community assessments and developed an interactive training for adults to support the equality of LGBTQ teen experiences in youth-serving agencies. They surveyed queer and allied youth at Anchorage’s Pride Prom and the Alaska Pride Festival and used the information gathered to host LGBTQ youth speak-outs and talking circles.
Jezzroy is active in the North Star Youth Court. As a prosecuting attorney he influences his peers to make positive life choices. He also tutors for the Literacy Council of Alaska and volunteers with the Food Bank and the local library.
Samuel has battled a rare kidney disease since he was a toddler and created the non-profit organization Project Comfort that makes travel-sized pillows and distributes them to hospitalized children all over the United States. During the past three years he and his community have made more than 3,000 pillows. He is also the author of “Opening Hearts,” a book that aims to provide hope and encouragement for kids who are chronically ill
Heather published a book called “Hidden Voice: A Story of Discovering Strengths,” about helping youth build self esteem and deal with bullies and negative comments. She is a delegate to the People to People Ambassador Program, member of the National Association of Professional Women and an instructor at this year’s Alaska Young Writers Conference. She has been a driving force of inspiration and encouragement to her peers.
Michael Bialy, Emily Berryman, Tony Boyer and Tandy Vangtan created the Bethel P.R.I.D.E. dance group last summer. The group performs and sponsors healthy events, lead by example and send a strong message to their peers that it’s ok to be expressive and to take pride in yourself and others. This team of self-motivated teens spent a summer fundraising, recruiting and defining what Bethel P.R.I.D.E. is all about so their new tradition can spread to other rural parts of Alaska.
Leila is an active member of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action. She is a leader in the Kodiak Youth Conservation Corps and is dedicated to educating youth about recycling, climate change, marine debris and other conservation topics.
Jessica provides swift water training to emergency personnel in Kenai’s community fire departments. She sponsored a fundraiser to train emergency personnel involved in rescue work. Her contribution will benefit people who might find themselves in need of rescue on Kenai’s waterways.
Annie created, organized and hosted Ski-for-Aid, a 5k race to benefit Brother Francis Shelter. She singlehandedly organized the event and spent countless hours advertising and gathering support from local businesses for donated prizes. The race had 26 participants and raised $550 for the shelter.
