Spirit of Youth

As Nanuk Lodge Chief, Kinsey Shepard leads every aspect of the Great Alaska Council’s youth-driven Order of the Arrow program, guiding teens in planning inductions, organizing service projects, and shaping lodge operations. She strengthens Alaska’s Scouting community by coordinating major youth-led events, improving camp facilities through hands-on service, and fostering inclusive fellowship and training opportunities for younger Scouts. Kinsey is also a dedicated mentor, helping emerging youth leaders build confidence and develop real leadership skills. Through her collaborative, service-minded approach, she has created a stronger, more connected, and more youth-empowered lodge.

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

The Lynx Initiative (TLI) is a youth-run robotics program created by Anchorage teens who saw that too many students, especially in Title I schools, had no access to STEM opportunities. In just two years, TLI built Anchorage’s first K–12 robotics pathway, growing from 2 teams to 13 and serving students from 23 schools, including Alaska’s only public-school FTC program. Their teen leaders have volunteered over 1,750 hours, traveled nearly 10,000 miles, and launched innovative outreach projects that brought STEM to hospitals, refugee families, and schools hosting their first science fairs. By prioritizing access, equity, and youth leadership, TLI is redefining what’s possible for Anchorage youth and ensuring every student has a place to belong in STEM.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Innovator

Sophia has led transformative youth-focused initiatives in Ketchikan, securing $3.5M to launch the community’s first low-barrier youth center and creating a free lunch program serving more than 300 young people. As a leader in Rotary Interact and Ketchikan Youth for Change, she has mobilized her peers in service, raised over $10K annually for local causes, and delivered drug-prevention education to hundreds of students through more than ten events each year. A dedicated advocate and volunteer, Sophia’s impact reflects exceptional vision, leadership, and a profound commitment to improving life for youth across her community.

• Home Town Ketchikan
• School District Ketchikan Gateway Borough SD
• Award Category Humanitarian, Visionary, Role Model

Gavin is a caring and curious leader in Petersburg who spent the summer assisting as a youth mentor in our local Kinderskog program, an outdoor education-based childcare program. Gavin assisted in providing knowledge on local flora and fauna, safety protocols, and emotional support to younger peers. Gavin was also one of the early members of the local Skeet Shooting Team, Devils Thumb Shooters. Kinderskog and Devil’s Thumb Shooters both support families by providing a healthy, outdoor, supportive community for the youth in our small town, which is something Petersburg has been lacking. Gavin has been a leader in these activities, creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for others to share in the enjoyment that the activities have to offer.

• Home Town Petersburg
• School District Petersburg High School
• Award Category Role Model

Jacoby took on his first job last summer as a grocery bagger and was quickly promoted to cashier. He has received numerous compliments on his smile, his engaging interactions with customers in the community, and his exceptional performance of job duties. Jacoby has also been selling garnets in his community for several years and has become very educated on managing money. Jacoby has encountered problems along the way, but considers everyone involved when solving them, leaving people content and happy.

• Home Town Wrangell
• School District Wrangell High School
• Award Category Role Model

The Teaching Through Technology Alaska program (T3 Alliance) is a collaborative effort among students, educators, and community partners devoted to creating opportunities for students to become innovative leaders in their communities. Across Alaska, T3 students gain access to training workshops, career and internship opportunities, peer and professional networks, and STEAM technology. In Wrangell, the T3 Alliance helped repair and reconstruct items at Anan, a Bear Wildlife Observatory, benefiting the younger generation.

• Home Town Wrangell
• School District Wrangell High School
• Award Category Innovator, Role Model, Discovery

Isaiah stepped out of his comfort zone by participating in the Tlingit & Haida YES Program, which helped lead him to his dream of becoming a diesel and heavy equipment mechanic. The YES Program gives youth employment skills and training in their preferred type of work, allowing them to gain experience and explore possible career paths. Isaiah also supports his friends by helping them process their feelings and frustrations in the best way he knows how.

• Home Town Juneau
• School District AVTEC
• Award Category Dreamer

Lola Swanson is a dedicated young leader from Seward, Alaska, who created and operates a year-round dance program to bring high-quality arts opportunities to her rural community. Through her program, over 100 local youth have gained access to dance instruction and scholarships that make participation possible for all families. Lola’s commitment, creativity, and leadership have transformed Seward’s arts landscape, proving how one teen’s vision can inspire lasting community impact.

• Home Town Seward
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Award Category Visionary, Dreamer

Makena Desermia approached Seward Arts Council in the spring of 2025 because she had a vision of bringing a music camp back to Seward for community students. For six months she worked with Seward Arts Council arts and music programming coordinators to connect with Alaskan musicians, write grants, network with music programs across the state, and find enough instruments to put on a full-scale music camp for our community. The camp hosted seven musicians and 43 students for five days of instruction, community music performances, one community dance and a standing-room-only parent concert. Makena created something much bigger than just a music camp, she brought people together.

• Home Town Seward
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Award Category Innovator, Visionary, Dreamer

Wayne has made a significant impact on the Gruening Middle School debate program through his dedication, leadership, and passion for debate. Over the past three years, he volunteered as a judge and recently joined the coaching team—organizing scrimmages, leading weekly practices, and presenting complex topics in an engaging way for students. Under his mentorship, the team won two Junior Varsity titles, reached the Varsity Semifinals three times, and earned several best speaker awards. Wayne earned the 2024 ASAA State Policy Speaker Award, qualified for NSDA Nationals, and now serves as Director of Recruitment for the Outreach Debate nonprofit. His commitment to fostering respectful, informed dialogue inspires younger students and strengthens civil discourse in today’s world.

• Home Town Chugiak
• School District ASD
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Olivia leads with creativity and purpose, using her talents to amplify youth voices. She co-developed a teen wellness video by organizing a student team, setting a timeline, and guiding the creative process from start to finish. She took an active role in spoken word, photography, music, and video editing to deliver content that supports mental health and self-expression. Olivia also produced a 90-second video for the NBCU Academy, offering teens simple, effective tools to manage stress. Through her leadership and vision, she empowers others to share their stories and build confidence.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Dreamer

Gabrielle Morton leads with purpose and heart. She created Color Them with Kindness to help kids stand up to bullying and grow in faith. Through this platform, she shares her story, teaches confidence, and spreads kindness. Gabrielle has reached over 2,000 people in Alaska and other states, giving out handmade crayons, scripture cards, and bracelets. She volunteers over 500 hours each year, serving veterans, first responders, and local groups. Her work earned her several awards and a feature on the cover of Uplift Universe Magazine.

• Home Town Eagle River
• School District NA
• Award Category Role Model

The T3 Alaska student group in Wrangell demonstrated remarkable innovation and leadership through their work on the Capitol Christmas Tree project. Collaborating with inventor Brian Ashton, the students designed a life support system using salmon incubation technology to keep the 80-foot Sitka spruce alive during its 4,000-mile journey to Washington, D.C. Their system ensured the tree’s hydration and oxygenation, successfully preserving its health for six weeks.

This project not only addressed a complex challenge but also fostered community pride and collaboration, inspiring other students to engage in local projects. The students’ adaptability, dedication, and teamwork led to the healthiest Capitol Christmas tree ever seen, highlighting their role as problem-solvers and community leaders. Their work serves as a model for how youth can make a meaningful impact with the support of their community.

• Home Town Wrangell
• School District Wrangell School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Innovator

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 students in filmmaking and is creating a documentary on declining salmon populations in Wrangell, aiming to raise awareness at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Balancing school, work, and family, Jackson is an inspiring leader in his community.

• Home Town Wrangell
• School District Wrangell School District
• Award Category Dreamer, Discovery

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 also helped shape the campaign’s theme and created materials to encourage Native youth participation.

Their earrings, highlighting the missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) cause, were displayed at the U.S. Department of the Interior. At the 2024 Lead On! summit, Arianna demonstrated leadership, inspiring peers to engage in discussions about mental health and cultural expression.

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

Natalie Hannula is a dedicated youth leader making a significant impact through initiatives like the Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska (YAHA), where she helps shape statewide health programs and shares youth stories through newsletters. In her school’s You Are Not Alone (YANA) club, she organizes events and shares suicide prevention resources like 988Create.

As the founder of Keys to the Future (KTF), Natalie addresses gaps in youth education about adulthood, offering workshops on financial literacy and cultural perspectives, including collaborations with the Alaska Native Tribal Heritage Center. With over 130 participants and 10 presentations this year, Natalie’s nonprofit empowers her peers with vital knowledge. Balancing a rigorous schedule and personal growth, Natalie exemplifies resilience and a passion for community service.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage
• Award Category Life Saver, Visionary

Jayden Lampe is an outstanding leader and advocate for her community. As a Youth Organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, she has led campaigns on food security and climate action, including helping youth from across Alaska call for a climate emergency. Jayden’s leadership extends beyond state-level advocacy; in her hometown of Utqiagvik, she holds key roles like class president, executive board member of the Alaska Association of Student Governments, and youth representative for the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. She has also led efforts for increased state funding for public schools and inspired peers through her work on climate change and education. Jayden’s dedication to her community and her ability to empower and mentor other rural and Indigenous youth make her a powerful role model.

• Home Town Utqiagvik
• School District North Slope Borough School District
• Award Category Humanitarian
• Radio Story Listen to Jayden's story here

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 about the 1882 bombardment of Angoon and its healing process.

Angel has traveled to Hawaii and Texas for internships and conferences, and completed a college-level course on community mapping. She leads by example, working behind the scenes to ensure success, whether preparing for community events or staying late to clean up. Her dedication to her community and personal growth makes her a true inspiration.

• Home Town Angoon
• School District Chatham School District
• Award Category Dreamer, Discovery

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 Stellar Secondary School Student Council.

Despite personal challenges, including being neurodivergent and legally blind, Raedyn remains positive and hardworking. He volunteers at the Downtown Hope Center, organizes food drives, and provides childcare for those in need. His talent in theatre was discovered through improv, and he continues to train in voice and ballet, enriching the arts community.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District ASD
• Award Category Phoenix
• Radio Story Listen to Raedyn's story here

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 leadership includes youth-driven decisions, from casting to production policies, with a goal to engage as many youth as possible and even double-cast roles for backup performers.

Through this project, SSP has not only developed their skills in theater production but also built their confidence, proving that youth can lead with remarkable success. They aim to take the show on tour across Alaska, promoting both the arts and literacy while inspiring other young people to believe in their potential.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District
• Award Category Visionary, Dreamer