Jackson has shown exceptional initiative as a See Stories Intern, creating a short film on the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) for statewide classes. He conducted over seven interviews with diverse voices, including Alaska Native Elders and former Governor Frank Murkowski, showcasing his maturity and organizational skills. Beyond academics, Jackson mentors middle school […]
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Arianna is a talented artist and advocate who uses cultural crafts to address social and mental health issues. As a member of YAHA, they provide valuable insights to improve public health programs for Alaskan youth. Arianna’s beaded earrings, symbolizing suicide prevention, were featured in the 988Create campaign, raising awareness about the 988 suicide hotline. They […]
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Angel is a quiet but powerful leader, excelling in both school and community activities. As a Junior, she participates in Student Council, Angoon Youth Stewards, basketball, and works at Eagle Espresso, all while maintaining top grades. Her leadership is evident through her commitment to projects like creating films for Angoon’s community, including a recent film […]
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Raedyn leads at the Alaska Theatre of Youth, volunteering at school break camps and organizing activities to support others. He is part of the team producing Alaska’s first youth-led theater production, raising funds through various efforts. As the chair of the Public Relations committee, Raedyn manages media outreach and interviews. He also serves on the […]
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Splish Splash Productions (SSP), a youth-led group within the Alaska Theatre of Youth, has taken on the challenge of producing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Over the past eleven months, SSP has raised more than $10,000, secured production rights, hired key staff, and found a venue at the UAA Fine Arts Building. Their […]
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Sarah Kim leads efforts to connect high school students with senior citizens. She founded Music for Hearts, a volunteer group with 40 teen musicians. They perform at senior homes and medical facilities across Alaska, brightening lives and raising over $500 for Alzheimer’s families. Sarah advises the Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska, focusing on campaigns […]
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The Hutchison Stream Team, a student-led club at Hutchison High School, produces professional-quality live events, including sports, concerts, and graduations, for audiences worldwide. Using advanced production equipment like multi-camera switchboards, instant replay, and live announcers, they have streamed over 500 events since 2009, becoming Alaska’s first high school to live-stream events. Their work has supported […]
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Mo Spooner attended the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) 2024 convention and created a heartfelt short film documenting their experience and its significance as an Indigenous youth. The video highlights the stories and cultural elements showcased at AFN, with Mo sharing their feelings about the positive impact events like AFN have on their life. Their […]
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Dominic Blair took on a leading role as narrator in the SHI theater workshop, held over spring break in Ketchikan, where he inspired others by showing pride in his Alaska Native identity. Throughout the production, Dominic exemplified a strong work ethic and encouraged his peers, offering support to those struggling with lines or performance nerves. […]
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Sara is a 16-year-old, fourth-generation Alaskan whose L.E.D. “Artwear” creations have been recognized by 3M, Discovery Education, and The Alaska Society for Technology in Education for her innovative fusions of science and technology with art and design. Her design company, “Vintage Train Case,” produces dresses, jewelry, and ballet-performance costumes. She is introducing her generation to […]
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Jamie is a stand-out alum of a year-long Ilakucaraq cohort, a program that brings together Alaska Native youth in 9-12th grades. This program is designed to form friendships, learn and share about Indigenous cultures, and build confidence in their cultural identities. Although Jamie would never call herself this, she is a great example of an […]
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Tristan is a kind and insightful deep thinker. He connects with Elders and learns cultural practices while working at his family’s fish camp in Nondalton. Additionally, he has interned at a culture camp held on indigenous lands in partnership with Lake Clark National Park. He is stand-out alum of the year long Ilakucaraq cohort, a […]
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Anamanu is an exceptional young person. She currently works with children at the Hmoob Cultural Center of Alaska. Anamanu has volunteered by cleaning Anchorage, contsructing a blessing box to feed homeless. She’s spent time volunteering with Clare House, Beans Cafe, Food Bank of Alaska and Suicide Prevention Awareness. Additionally, Anamanu has gone on two missions, […]
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Shageluk has a three-mile road between the village and the runway which is under construction. There are ancient pit houses of Shageluk ancestors along the road. This spring, students at Innoko River School ensured their community’s history was being preserved while a construction company came in to resurface the road. Students put markers out that […]
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Kaycie is a student from Metlakatla who excels in school and at the Metlakatla Boys and Girls Club teen events. She was recently accepted into the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth class and looks forward to her goal of attending an Ivy League university.
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Mazzy is a skilled beader. An important part of her Athabaskan culture, she wanted to teach beading to other kids, so Mazzy created a class for third and fourth-graders at her school. Mazzy helped shine a light on Indigenous knowledge and made it something desirable and important.
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Sophia Layos-Wagaman is an aspiring circus arts performer from Fairbanks. A competitive gymnast since 2013, Sophia has competed at U.S. Gymnastics invitationals in Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Alaska. She has spent the last four years adding circus skills to her repertoire including straps, lyra, wire and partner acrobatics. She performed with the Golden Heart […]
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Sean works hard to improve the community by being a great student, a wonderful teammate, and a great friend to others. He encourages everyone to work hard, and cheers for not only his team, but also for those friends on rival teams. Sean encourages everyone (including adults) to work hard. He is so gregorious and […]
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Yedidia embodies the spirit of fine arts, with a love of singing, violin, and drawing as her primary interests, using these media to express her feelings in a positive way. She also serves as an officer of the Anchorage Youth Court, and created her own business called “YY Sweets,” donating profits to charity.
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Cheyenne is dedicated to her Tlingit heritage, taking advantage of all learning opportunities, including formline design, beading, dancing and singing, and talking with community elders. As a young woman invested in learning about and preserving her Tlingit culture, she invites and normalizes this level of cultural engagement amongst her peers.
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