Bringing together her passion for music and psychology, Maiya Anderson started a piano lesson program at the senior center in Kenai. The lessons bring joy to the elders in the community, while also helping to bridge a generational divide. Not only is Maiya able to create a strong bond with elders—the program also gives elders […]
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North Star Youth Court is a program that provides legal and mediator training for youth in Fairbanks. The organization aims to promote restorative justice and alternative dispute resolution practices. Youth adjudicate misdemeanor cases for 1st and 2nd time offenders, acting as clerks, attorneys, and judges. Participants are between the ages of 12 and 18. By […]
Read MoreThe Savoonga Youth Leaders work hard to better the lives of those around them. They offer counseling to their peers, host community events, help out with the food bank, and provide a taxi service to elders who need assistance getting to community functions. The Savoonga Youth Leaders are always looking for, and finding new ways […]
Read MoreThe Hooper Bay RAY Youth Group is working to preserve their community’s traditions through dance, language, and the continued practice of other traditional skills. The group also works with their peers to prevent suicide, as well as drug and alcohol abuse.
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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 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 […]
Read MoreSamir 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 […]
Read MoreLocal Punk bank Pole Smortum is passionate about their music and the community surrounding it. A teen band that revels in dancing to the beat of their own drum, Pole Smortum is helping to provide a safe space for youth to express themselves.
Read MoreThrough 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 […]
Read MoreAfter learning about the extensive bullying happening within the villages of the North Slope Borough School District, Joseph Ivanoff and Frederick Kanayurak began their Anti-bullying efforts. Throughout the school year they have kept up with their Anti-bullying campaign and served as school board representatives.
Read MoreTaylor Engstrom took action in the prevention of the loss of life of a fellow student. His efforts gave first responders critical time to arrive . His actions were instrumental in preventing a tragedy.
Read MoreClare is a natural leader and that is reflected in the amazing breadth of experiences she has in a number of youth organizations including serving as attorney with Anchorage Youth Court, private and group instructor for competitive figure skating, junior supervisor for a fund-raising youth-led coffee shop, Birchwood Camp children’s counselor and serving as a […]
Read MoreAlicia 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 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.
Read MoreKendra 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 […]
Read MoreWhen 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.
Read MoreEast High School Interact Club worked on several community projects this year. From creating healthy meals for children to crocheting sleeping mats out of plastic bags for the homeless, they are fully engaged in making their community a better place.
Read MoreSarah 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.
Read MoreBrandon 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.
Read MoreJackson 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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