Spirit of Youth

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 like the 988 Crisis Line. At West High School, she founded the Self-Care Club and the STEM Tutoring Club. She also creates sack lunches for homeless families through Interact Club and teaches youth tennis.

Sarah’s work bridges generational gaps and inspires others to build community and use their talents to uplift others.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District ASD
• Award Category Humanitarian, Dreamer

Tikvah Olson exemplifies dedication and compassion, spending five years supporting Alaska’s at-risk youth and families. Even as a camper, she helped prepare camps, organized logistics, and created welcoming spaces. Her care shines through her effort to bake a personal birthday cake for each of the 50 campers, ensuring every child feels valued and loved.

As a program graduate, Tikvah inspires young volunteers to take on leadership roles and make a difference. She contributes to programs like the Resilient Warriors Club and REACH 907, giving youth hope and strength. Her dream to lead these programs shows her passion and commitment to creating brighter futures for Alaska’s youth.

• Home Town Palmer
• School District Matsu Borough
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

This group of students has transformed their school’s approach to recycling, starting a program four years ago that continues to grow and inspire. Initially focused on paper and cardboard, they expanded to include plastic and aluminum, working with local waste management and the school district. They’ve set a strong example by placing recycling bins throughout the school, collecting weekly, and tracking the waste they divert from landfills. The students regularly update peers and staff about their progress, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Older students mentor younger ones, ensuring the program’s future even as they graduate. Their efforts not only reduce landfill waste but make recycling a standard practice for the school and beyond.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District Fairbanks North Star School District
• Award Category Visionary, Role Model

Girl Scout Troop 436 is tackling microplastic pollution by advocating for a ban on plastic glitter in the Anchorage School District. Through their BioGlitter Initiative, the girls are raising awareness about the harmful effects of traditional glitter on health and the environment. They’ve taken action by creating a survey for art teachers, launching an informative website, starting a petition, and producing a compelling video. Each member plays a key role in the project, showcasing teamwork and leadership. Their goal is to present their findings to the school board and promote biodegradable glitter as an eco-friendly alternative. Troop 436’s efforts inspire others to make small changes that lead to big environmental impacts.

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

Matthew Wilson is a passionate and determined young leader who brought the American Heart Challenge program to Colony Middle School, raising over $1,500 for life-saving heart research and education. Motivated by his father’s passing from heart disease in 2020, Matthew worked tirelessly as the liaison between his school and the American Heart Association, learning and promoting life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of stroke. Beyond coordinating the month-long challenge, he also organized and staffed a successful Italian Soda fundraiser during school track and field meets, showcasing his creativity and dedication. As a member of the National Junior Honor Society and the Colony Middle Tri-M Music Honor Society, Matthew continually seeks out service opportunities to support his Matsu Valley community. His leadership, compassion, and commitment to building a healthier, safer community make him an inspiring hero for hearts everywhere.

• Home Town Palmer
• School District MatSu Valley
• Award Category Life Saver, Phoenix

Anna is a trailblazer who has opened doors for adaptive athletes in Anchorage School District and ASAA sports, creating a smoother path for others who use adaptive equipment. Over the past four years, she has excelled as the only wheelchair tennis player and seated track athlete in the district, competing at the All-State level in track and aspiring to join the Paralympics in Alpine skiing. Beyond her achievements in sports, she plays sled hockey with Challenge Alaska, inspired the creation of Alaska Dance Theatre’s first wheelchair dance class, and performs with South High’s choir and orchestra.

Anna’s bravery, resilience, and leadership inspire not only youth with disabilities but all young people, exemplifying perseverance and courage. By bringing awareness and respect for differences to the forefront of her activities, Anna is redefining inclusion in Alaska. Her unwavering determination and ability to lead by example make her a role model for her peers and a true force for change.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District ASD
• Award Category Phoenix, Role Model

Arianna is an exceptional leader and advocate for her community, exemplified through her involvement with the Tundra Women’s Coalition Teens Acting Against Violence (TAAV) group. She has participated in numerous violence-prevention and community events, including writing and acting in peer education videos on healthy relationships, speaking at Bethel’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day march, and attending the statewide teen leadership conference, Lead On. Arianna takes every opportunity to educate, support, and inspire others while passionately preserving cultural traditions, subsistence practices, and stewardship of the land.

As a leader in JROTC, cheerleading, and her job at the fitness center, Arianna inspires her peers to engage in healthy, positive activities. She balances her passions with academic excellence, graduating high school with an associate degree through the ANSEP program and planning to pursue law school. Her dedication to suicide prevention, dropout prevention, and climate change advocacy demonstrates her commitment to creating lasting, positive change in her community and beyond.

• Home Town Bethel
• School District LKSD
• Award Category Role Model

Isabella exemplifies excellence in leadership, academics, and community engagement. She has achieved honor roll every term since sixth grade and earned membership in the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. As Senior and Junior Class President, Isabella has demonstrated outstanding leadership, further recognized by prestigious awards such as the JROTC Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement and the Alaska National Guard Sergeant Major Award for Leadership. A state champion in JROTC Unarmed Regulation and recipient of the Adjutant General’s Certificate of Excellence, Isabella’s accomplishments highlight her commitment to excellence and discipline.

Her dedication extends beyond academics and leadership roles, serving as a Cultural Heritage Intern with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, where she aided Alaska Native corporate officers in meaningful projects. Through her achievements and example, Isabella inspires others, particularly Alaska Native youth, to excel in academics, leadership, and cultural preservation, demonstrating that success is achievable across multiple endeavors with determination and effort.

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

Caitlin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication by volunteering with the KMS Drama Club, supporting younger students in their theatrical journey. A former member of the club herself, she now gives back by organizing props, attending every rehearsal, and participating in Saturday workdays, all while balancing her commitments to the high school drama club. Her creativity has been invaluable, offering innovative ideas that have streamlined projects and inspired the students.

Caitlin’s organizational skills have transformed the props closet into a functional space, and her initiative ensures the auditorium is secure and well-maintained. Her commitment to mentoring and guiding middle school students has been a tremendous asset, making her a positive role model for aspiring thespians. Her dedication and enthusiasm have not only strengthened the drama program but also shown the impact of investing in younger generations.

• Home Town Kodiak
• School District KIBSD
• Award Category Role Model

Alden King, an eleventh grader at Steller Secondary School, exemplifies the transformative power of youth leadership through his passion for education and literacy. His most notable achievement is the expansion of the library at Kiaoni Day/Boarding School in Kenya, where he provided early reader books and textbooks to foster literacy and academic success among young learners. Alden’s initiative reflects his ability to turn vision into action, as he navigated complex logistics, mobilized resources, and collaborated with international partners to address educational disparities in underserved communities.

Despite facing challenges such as cultural differences and limited resources, Alden’s resilience and commitment to his mission have made a tangible impact. His youth-led project not only empowers students in Kenya but also inspires his peers in Anchorage to believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. Alden’s leadership, empathy, and determination embody the Spirit of Youth’s mission, making him a powerful role model and a driving force for global progress in education.

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

Ander is a talented and dedicated youth leader actively involved in his school and community. He served as King in the 2023 4th of July royalty competition and starred as the Prince in a local production of Cinderella. As a member of the T3 tech club, Ander helped design and install the remote camera system at Annan, supported the 2024 Capitol Christmas Tree selection with drone technology, and contributed to the tree misting system. He also attended the Capitol Christmas Tree receptions and ceremony in Washington, DC.

Ander is a skilled musician, singing in the school choir and playing saxophone in the band and pep band. He volunteers in the Harbor Light media booth, co-hosts radio programs on KSTK, and works with Alaska Vistas during the summer. His passion for engineering and problem-solving shines through his work on community-focused projects like the Annan wildlife cameras, which benefit Wrangell’s tourism and promote national exposure for the region’s wildlife. A natural leader, Ander collaborates well with both peers and adults, consistently demonstrating initiative and teamwork.

• Home Town Wrangell
• School District Wrangell Public School District
• Award Category Innovator
• Radio Story Listen to Ander's story here

Jasmine Yang is a dedicated leader in her church’s Hmong youth group and a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and community service. She has served on a mission assisting Navajo elders in Washington and Oregon and actively supports the younger Hmong generation by teaching the significance of their heritage and language. Jasmine also contributes to her community by providing food to the homeless, preparing boxes for families in need, and volunteering at Beans Cafe to bring joy to children and youth.

Her efforts extend to environmental initiatives, including participating in spring clean-up events to reduce litter in her community. Jasmine emphasizes the importance of education in preserving cultural roots and encourages youth to stay connected to their heritage while striving for success. She exemplifies the values of leadership, compassion, and dedication to making a positive impact.

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

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 athletes seeking college recruitment, captured meaningful moments like the International Cross Country Ski Championships and graduations, and provided free, high-quality streams accessible to everyone.

The team’s dedication has created significant opportunities for members, with alumni gaining internships and careers at prestigious organizations like NBC. Despite the growing trend of pay-per-view streaming, Hutchison Stream Team remains committed to offering free access to their high-caliber productions. Their passion, teamwork, and innovation make them a vital part of the community and a model for youth-led initiatives.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District FNSBSD
• Award Category Innovator, Dreamer

Samaya and Elizabeth are working with the Copper River Watershed Project to improve recycling in Cordova. Collaborating with local organizations, they’ve implemented aluminum can recycling initiatives and promoted awareness through newspaper articles, flyers, and outreach at school events. They also teach 5th graders about healthy watersheds and salmon life cycles through programs like Salmon in the Classroom and activities supporting the Capital Christmas Tree project.

Their efforts help extend the lifespan of Cordova’s landfill and reduce waste from discarded fishing gear. By engaging younger students, they inspire the next generation to protect salmon habitats and show that youth-led actions make a meaningful impact. Samaya and Elizabeth are role models for community involvement and environmental stewardship.

• Home Town Cordova
• School District Cordova School District
• Award Category Humanitarian

Mo Spooner attended the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) 2024 convention and created a heartfelt short film documenting his experience and its significance as an Indigenous youth. The video highlights the stories and cultural elements showcased at AFN, with Mo sharing his feelings about the positive impact events like AFN have on his life. Mo’s reflections emphasize how gatherings like AFN help Indigenous youth connect with their heritage, embrace their community, heal generational trauma, and feel empowered to actively contribute. Mo’s transparency, vulnerability, intelligence, and compassion shine through, illustrating the profound importance of celebrating culture and heritage. His film beautifully captures the human impact of AFN and other Indigenous-led initiatives.

Watch Video:https://youtu.be/ZOcEwiQCG-8

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
• Award Category Dreamer

Emmerson Kapp, a junior at Soldotna High School, leads with passion as the KPBSD Board of Education Student Representative. She represents students from 42 schools, gathering their input and sharing updates with the board. At meetings, she delivers reports and casts an advisory vote, ensuring student voices influence decisions.

Emmerson inspires peers to speak at board meetings, amplifying their perspectives. Her efforts promote collaboration, inclusivity, and student engagement. Through her advocacy, Emmerson is transforming her district to better meet students’ needs.

• Home Town Soldotna
• School District Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Dustty is a dedicated and active member of his community. As a camp den leader and welding instructor with Scouts of America, he has helped Scouts achieve merit badges while fostering their growth and skills. His volunteer efforts span numerous organizations, including The Salvation Army Operation Santa, the Fur Rondy Royalty Pageant, and the American Heart Association-Alaska.

Dustty’s willingness to help, no matter the task, has been evident since he was young. His commitment and enthusiasm make him a valued contributor to every project he undertakes. Through his work, Dustty continues to make a meaningful impact on those around him.

• Home Town EAGLE RIVER
• School District Healey school district
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Joshua is a dedicated youth leader and advocate. As the Student Advisory Board President for the Anchorage School District, he represents all students in the district. He also serves as Bar President of Anchorage Youth Court and Section 8 Representative on the National Federation of High Schools National Student Advisory Council. His impressive resume highlights his commitment to civic engagement and student representation across Anchorage and Alaska.

Joshua has been a long-standing member of the Spirit of Youth Teen Advisory Council. He approaches every project with ambition, compassion, and purpose. His leadership on youth-led initiatives amplifies student voices and drives meaningful change. Known for his kindness and integrity, Joshua inspires others while building strong connections within his community.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Role Model
• Radio Story Listen to Joshua's story here

At just 12 years old, Dalton has shown incredible dedication to his community, particularly through his work with The Alaska Humane Society. Since he was 10, he has volunteered weekly to clean the shelter and care for the cats, raising over $6,000 to support their needs. His efforts include fundraising and assisting in building individual cat apartments. Dalton also helps at his former school, Bear Valley, where he supports teachers and recently testified twice to advocate against its closure. He has forgone birthday presents for shelter donations, led holiday efforts for the animals, and is planning a 2025 food drive. Dalton’s compassion and leadership inspire others to take action and make a difference.

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

Michael is a highly motivated youth with strong ties to Anchorage and Southeast Alaska. He actively participates in ANSEP, the CITC FabLab internship, and Civil Air Patrol. In Civil Air Patrol, he mentors new cadets, teaching leadership, character development, and fitness while advancing through the program. As Cadet Aerospace Education Officer, he finds creative ways to spark interest in STEM among his peers. Michael also planned and spoke at the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Youth Healing Summit. He worked with the Alaska Youth Stewards Program to promote cultural and environmental resilience. His dedication and leadership make him an outstanding role model.

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