Spirit of Youth

Since 2018, at the age of 10, Lola has been instructing young children of the Seward community in the art of dance. Over the course of the last four and a half years, she has taught more than 100 youth ranging in age from three to 14 the basics of  ballet, jazz, and tap through regular classes and summer day camp opportunities. Lola also partnered with the Seward Community Foundation and Youth 360 to offer scholarships for students of need.

• Home Town Seward
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Yagnnesis was part of the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, learning the skills of advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and the legislative process.

• Home Town
• School District Cordova
• Award Category Humanitarian

Shelby was a participant in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, where she learned about community advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and the legislative process.

• Home Town
• School District Cordova
• Award Category Humanitarian

Grace was a participant in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, gaining valuable skills of advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and legislative processes.

• Home Town
• School District Delta/Ft. Greely
• Award Category Humanitarian

Leena has been a dauntless advocate for tobacco prevention activities among her peers. She co-wrote a prerecorded video/slide presentation about the negative health effects and danger of nicotine addiction, that was shown to hundreds of other students in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District via video chat. She is presently planning the Youth Encouraging Alaskans Health (YEAH) Summit for 2023, and will be one of the main emcees.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Abbey Markell started her own business from scratch, baking healthy, homemade dog cookies and cakes in attractive fun shapes and colors to support a local pet supply store’s two locations. Alaskans can now purchase locally-baked, customized options of cute cookies and adorable birthday and “Gotcha-Day” cakes that are nutritionally-balanced and free from preservatives.

Says Abbey’s nominator, “It’s clear to me that Abbey is not doing this for the money. Indeed, she makes many treats that are intended to give away. Abbey gives away very many treats to family, friends, and their friends. Expired treats (plus bonuses) go to the Alaska SPCA.”

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage
• Award Category Visionary
• Radio Story Listen to Abbey's story here

Savannah is a volunteer/junior staff member at Kasilof Boys and Girls Club. Says her nominator:  “We became so impressed with her willingness to volunteer and help make sure our kids have the success they need to have a great day.”

• Home Town Kasilof
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Award Category Role Model

Carrissa is an integral part of the Kasilof Boys and Girls Club, assisting staff with activities and ensuring younger members have positive guidance for their time spent at the club.

• Home Town Kasilof
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Award Category Role Model

Cassidy is a member of the youth volunteer team at Kasilof Boys and Girls Club, providing assistance with activities, and acting as a role model for younger club members.

• Home Town Kasilof
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Award Category Role Model

Chloe is a valued staff member of the Kasilof Boys and Girls Club, where she assists with activities and acts as a role model to younger members. Says her nominator, “Kids look up to and respect her.”

• Home Town Kasilof
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Award Category Role Model

Jaeden is an incredible leader and is passionate about spreading the message of inclusion. He is a Special Olympics Alaska athlete and is one of two Special Olympics U.S. Youth Ambassadors representing Alaska. Jaeden takes seriously his role as an inspirational advocate for those with intellectual disabilities.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Role Model
• Radio Story Listen to Jaeden's story here

Honey participated in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, learning about legislative processes, and gained skills in peer-to-peer leadership and community advocacy.

• Home Town
• School District Kake City School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Destiny participated in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ Youth Leadership Institute, gaining skills of community advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and learning about Alaska’s legislative processes.

• Home Town
• School District Juneau School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Deja was a participant in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, and learned valuable skills of community advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and gained an understanding of Alaska’s legislative process.

• Home Town
• School District Juneau School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Sophie participated in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, gaining skills in community advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and an understanding of Alaska’s legislative process.

• Home Town
• School District Juneau School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Dana participated in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, gaining valuable skills of community advocacy and peer-to-peer leadership, and an understanding of Alaska’s legislative processes.

• Home Town
• School District Galena City School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Annie participated in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, learning valuable skills of community advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and an understanding of Alaska’s legislative process.

• Home Town
• School District Galena City School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Olivia was a member of the Youth Leadership Institute, sponsored by the Association of Alaska School Boards. She gained valuable skills of advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and understanding the legislative process.

• Home Town
• School District Fairbanks North Star Borough
• Award Category Humanitarian

Ellen took part in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ Youth Leadership Institute, gaining valuable skills of advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and the legislative process.

• Home Town
• School District Educators Rising
• Award Category Humanitarian

Preston took part in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ annual Youth Leadership Institute, learning skills of advocacy, peer-to-peer leadership, and legislative process.

• Home Town
• School District Denali Borough School District
• Award Category Humanitarian