Mackenzie is in the trauma-sensitive schools, a program which that tries to find real-world solutions to real-life problems that face students. They have identified a variety of challenges that face students at Colony Middle School and are working in to find solutions.
Ethan is a highly accomplished drummer and percussionist; he created a beginning percussion program through Denali Montessori’s Elementary School. In 2017 and 2018, Ethan volunteered his time to instruct 3rd through 6th graders in beginning percussion skills twice a week after school.
Grace goes above and beyond by including others in class activities, encouraging their participation, and helping them execute class assignments.
Mariaha Afuvai is a class leader, she regularly volunteers to lead her class in physical activities, assists teacher however possible and guides peers into good decision making.
Along with other students, Jakira created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.
Along with other students, Ana Hokenson created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.
Fatoumata and fellow students created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.
Along with other students, Abigail Burke created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.
Abigail demonstrates responsibility and diligence in all she does, whether it be course work, horsemanship, cleaning stalls, attending enrichment activities, or church attendance. She chooses personal friends that enrich her life and chooses to do the same for them.
Sharon attends an after School program called the Schoolyard, a program through Cook Inlet Tribal Council. She continues to do everything she can to ensure the continuation of the program, including leading a group of 20 youth to meet with the CEO of CITC.
Carlee created and established the Nikiski Children’s Fund, which is now expanding to become the Peninsula Children’s Fund. She has fundraised thousands of dollars for Nikiski North Star Elementary and Nikiski Middle/High School that teachers and staff can use whenever they see that a child or family has a need.
Gillian is actively involved in the local FFA group. She participates in competitions at both a state and national level in FFA. She also volunteers at The Learning Farm in Anchorage and cares for the animals in addition to teaching local children about the animals.
When Grace moved to Colony High School, she volunteered to take over as choreographer for the Colony MS Drama. This position includes lots of summer work to design the choreograph with the director and music director, along with researching many of the shows she has designed.
Gabby collected a dozen photos and quotes from Shishmaref community members about why salmon is important to them and why we should protect them. She also wrote a piece that was published nationally by the League of Conservation Voters.
Eve spent a fellowship canvassing alongside the Cook Inlet Keeper, from door knocking to street canvassing. She worked a number of big events like Wild Alaska Salmon Day and Progress Days in Soldotna, and SalmonFest on the Kenai Peninsula.
The Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) Youth Salmon Fellows (YSFs) are a group of young Alaskans who worked on the issue of salmon habitat in their communities. Jennifer McCumber focused on collecting stories, hosting events, and canvassing in both Utqiagvik and around the state. Over the summer, Jennifer tabled at the Inuit Circumpolar Council and spoke to prominent arctic leaders about the importance of salmon. Jennifer ended her fellowship by hosting a salmon-making art party for the kids in Utqiagvik.
The Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) Youth Salmon Fellows (YSFs) are a group of young Alaskans who worked on the issue of salmon habitat in their communities. Julia Scully hosted a successful stream clean-up at Eklutna and capped her fellowship with an open mic, where Alaskans were invited to share why they believe salmon is important to them using anything from song to speech. She also wrote an op-ed, canvassed businesses for support, and canvassed Palmer residents about ballot measure 1.
No More Mat-Su is a youth-led organization whose goal is to end domestic violence and sexual assault in the Mat-Su Valley. NMMS is in its 5th and last year, students organized an event at the Glenn Massey Theater called Rock the Resilience. They are currently working on the second annual Rock the Resilience.
Matt Davis and Jared Heaston saw a woman get hit by a vehicle. They rushed to help her, performed CPR and all life saving efforts prior to the arrival of the paramedics. The female driver was unable to be saved. They have shared their story with students and the community, while advocating for safe driving and helping those in need.
