Statewide Annual Awards Banquet 2008

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Spirit of Youth Salutes 2008 Winners

Alaska Airlines -- Service to Community
Anderson Students surveyed residents and collected data which aided decision makers in creating a "free land" project that will positively impact the comprehensive plan for the borough now and in the future.	Anderson
Evan Rockwell co-chaired the committee that created a police citizen youth academy which encourages youth civic responsibility. He researched grants, wrote the mission statement, and designed the logo.	Palmer
Fed Ex -- Service to Children
Katie Bauer started "Ribbons of Life" - a support group for children with a need to share their feelings while their parents are undergoing cancer treatments.	Homer
Melissa Haken & Kathleen Kingsely learned of the need for shoes and clothing for children in Africa; then took the leadership role in creating, designing and implementing a fundraising plan to meet these needs.	Eagle River
Rasmuson Foundation -- Service to Peers
Matt Cook leads RSVP training sessions to empower youth to educate adults and convince them that they really need to listen to what teens are saying about change and improvement in their community.	Anchorage
Cassandera Favors took the initiative to bring Palmer Youth Court members to train Dillingham staff and students, and did all the preparatory work necessary to establish a youth court in their town.	Dillingham / Palmer
Municipal Light & Power -- Science & Environment
Shaun Nesheim used his own money to start a scholarship program that awards teens for projects they develop which focus on finding alternative energy sources.	Juneau
Kerstin Cullen worked with thousands of pages of wind speed data from Thompson Pass to determine the feasibility of this alternative energy source for the local area.	Valdez
Firefighters Local 1264 -- Lifesavers & Prevention
Lucas Merli is a Wilderness First Responder who directed rescue efforts and provided emergency medical care for his friend after a skiing accident in a remote area which ultimately saved his life.	Juneau
Chelsea & Ashley Shoemaker have dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours, serving as EMT’s for the local fire department since they were 14 years old.	Sand Point
State of Alaska (DBH) -- Fine Arts
George Yang volunteers every week to work with elementary students to help them develop their musical skills and doing all of this while caring for his younger siblings and keeping his household running.	Anchorage
Joshua Cotton learned the art of carving fish hooks from an Alaska native. After other students saw what he could accomplish, they were inspired to learn a new skill or craft for the Southeast Arts Fest.	Skagway
Association of Alaska School Boards, Alaska ICE -- Faith Based Service
Celina Brown created "Praise 3" with her two sisters, a gospel singing trio that voluntarily entertains patients, the elderly and others going through tough times.	Anchorage
Nichole Kruger started a "come as you are" youth worship service & promotes a "Beyond Belief" event every week. She also serves as the church youth group's web master.	Anchorage
Alyeska Pipeline -- Overcoming Challenges
Jessi Chapman is the survivor of a tragic accident and experiences movement and speaking difficulties yet she has become a strong advocate and lobbyist for all others dealing with mobility-related disabilities.	Ketchikan
Sheila Sine's efforts are focused on helping her fellow students overcome their discomfort when they interact with members of the disabled community.	Glennallen
Bristol Bay Native Corporation -- Service to Government
Rebels to Pebble teens believe it is their responsibility to be educated about the area's proposed mining project which will affect their future. They are civically engaged in efforts to preserve their culture	Dillingham
Togiak Unity Youth Council members successfully campaigned to convince a majority of voters to continue the ban on importing alcohol to their village	Togiak
CIRI -- Cultural Activities
Nachle Alaska, an East Indian youth dance group, provide entertainment and focus their efforts toward increasing the public's awareness about their unique and beautiful culture.	Anchorage
Disney Williams serves as President for Voices of indigenous People (VIP). She motivates her peers to become involved and stresses the importance of learning about and preserving their traditions and values.	Dutch Harbor
CHEVRON USA -- Media & Technology
Kee Heywood & Alec Jurgeleit created a powerful documentary about the challenges people face while in recovery. This film serves as a testament to the traditions and values of Tlingets.	Haines
Chris Van Wyhe, along with the help of other students, produced a 90 minute film about the history of the Kennecott mines and surrounding areas.	Kennecott

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