Haley Edmondson

October 3, 2016

Haley Edmondson is an active member of her community and volunteers her time to better the lives of those in her community, particularly other youth. Her achievements include hosting a fashion show to raise money for Breast Cancer research, raising over $4,000 for the Children’s Hospital, helping to create a nationally recognized “Raise Your Voice” […]

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Kaisa Reese Ahluniq Kotch

Kaisa Reese Ahluniq Kotch is devoted to combating suicide in her community. Kaisa is a member of the TECK Youth Leader’s Program, a school district program in which youth are trained in bullying and suicide prevention. She also serves as a youth representative with the Maniilaq Behavioral Health Program, which works to identify and combat primary […]

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Savannah Rizzo

September 20, 2016

Savannah Rizzo has worked to establish an organization called T-Books, which provides new books to disadvantaged youth in her community. The goal is to ensure that all young people have access to literature. Through a number of fundraisers, the group was able to raise $3,000, which has been used to purchase new books for students […]

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Jenevia Jetaun Wika

September 6, 2016

Jenevia Jetaun Wika started the You Are Not Alone club at South Anchorage High School. This club offers a safe space for students to receive support, and information regarding suicide prevention. Jenevia’s goal is to educate high school teens on warning signs and preventative tools, as well as to offer hope to her peers. The […]

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Samir Akal

Samir Akal came to Anchorage two years ago after leaving a refugee camp in Egypt. Going above and beyond what was required  of him, Samir has achieved a high level of academic success. But his hard work has not stopped there. Living with diabetes himself, Samir hopes to help others combat the disease by working […]

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Trenton Wonhola

July 19, 2016

Through his participation in the 4-H Day Camp, Trenton Wonhola of New Stuyahok showed true dedication to every member of his community. He diligently assisted in chores and activities at Fish Camp, working hard to assist elders, and young children. Trenton is helping to heal the wounds of generational trauma by continuing cultural traditions as […]

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Alicia McLelland

February 16, 2016

Alicia is the youngest assistant instructor in the HIT (Hunter Information and Training) Program as well as the executive secretary on Soldotna High School Student Council. Alicia is always one of the first to stand up for what is right, be it a rule or a person having a hard time.

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Destiny Lytle

February 2, 2016

Destiny has grown up learning the process of dog handling and training. She teaches classes on how to handle dogs in and appropriate manner, and helps with training service dogs.

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Kendra Brush

Kendra has taken it upon herself to work with youth and teens in a positive way. She is deeply committed to introducing the sport of archery, bowhunting and the great outdoors with others. She has volunteered to teach numerous Women On Target archery classes over the past three years as well as lead archery classes […]

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Evelyn Rose Rush

December 31, 2015

When Evelyn Rose’s mother battled cancer last year she decided to take that experience to raise awareness in her community. She singlehandedly raised more than $3,000 for Anchorage’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk by selling candy at school events.

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Sarah Newlun

Sarah has worked for the Forest Service for two summers improving trails and building trails. She also volunteers with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and is a trained emergency trauma technician.

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Brandon Thomas

Brandon is deeply involved in Anchorage Youth Court as well as his school’s JROTC program, both of which give back to the community through peer intervention, leadership training and volunteerism. Through this, Brandon has amassed more than 600 hours of volunteer time in Anchorage and around the state.

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Jackson Blackwell

Jackson has been a volunteer attorney, Judge and Bar Association President for Kenai Peninsula Youth Court. He trains new volunteers and as president of the Statewide Youth Court Association he fully embraces the concept of restorative justice.

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Marguerite and Evangeline Cox

Cousins Marguerite and Evangeline used their own money and funds collected from the community to donate 17 pet emergency oxygen mask kits to fire stations across the Kenai Peninsula. Their goal is to provide these life-saving tools to every fire station in the state.

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Dolly Ann Zharoff

Dolly Ann is a leader in her small community of Igiugig. She guides her classmates in fundraising activities, banking and finance, service learning projects, caring for elders, and organizing after school activities. Dolly Ann takes pride in her home and has volunteered with a community beautification project.

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Hannah Soplanda

Hannah spent three months in India helping disadvantaged orphans. From this deeply moving experience she now understands how inequalities play out in her own community, state, nation and world. She teaches others how the power of an individual can make a difference.

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Bailey Lesslie

Bailey has overcome many challenges in her life. She uses her experiences to mentor other teens who suffer from depression and anxiety. She doesn’t let her health problems get in the way of her extensive community service with HOPE worldwide.

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Naasha Tallman

Naasha is a leader in helping others reach their potential in STEM programs. She is a member of a robotics team that provides outreach to the community. She loves to dance and participates weekly in the Unangan Dance Group.

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Konaa Tallman

Konaa is a member of the Anchorage Maker Space Robotics Program where he leads outreach programs to teach the community about STEM activities. He is also a dancer and drummer in the Unangan dance group.

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Baahii Tallman

Baahii is a member of a robotics team where he leads an outreach program to teach the community about STEM programs. He is also part of a Native dance group where he revitalizes his culture and language.

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