Chugiak Fire and Rescue members arrived to find Michael Wheatley home alone valiantly performing CPR on his 18 year-old brother Tristen, with whom he was rough housing just moments before. Michael’s recognition of cardiac arrest, notification of EMS and treatment played a significant role in Tristen’s survival.
Natalia’s involvement in learning the Alutiiq language, using the language, working with the Alutiiq immersion preschool, being an Alutiiq dancer as well as her involvement with Native Youth Olympics is an inspiration to the other youth to be proud of their Alutiiq culture.
In December 2017, Angela was diagnosed with FASD. Anchorage FASD Diagnostic Team thought that she would be an excellent spokesperson and financially supported her to attend an international conference in Canada.
Ashley was born with a rare genetic disorder called Turner Syndrome. To bring awareness, she reached out to the Governor of Alaska and the Mayor of Anchorage to get a proclamation signed to have Turner Syndrome added to rare disease day and declare February as Turner Syndrome Awareness month.
The Innoko River School middle and secondary students worked together with adults to find a young girl who was missing. This act of heroism and bravery epitomizes a tradition that we have in our village: to never leave anyone behind.
Maddie continues to lead boating safety education community outreach events. Alaska has one of the highest recreational boating fatality rates in the nation and the outreach Maddie does is aimed at educating and addressing the problem.
Darius has participated in numerous Alaska Geographic, Chugach Children’s Forest, and Student Conservation Association conservation projects. He has acted as a steward to public lands and encourages others to get outside, be healthy, and take action to enjoy and preserve public spaces.
Jordyn has been a youth leader for a bully prevention project at Stone Soup Group. Her work includes talking with Partner Clubs throughout Anchorage to learn about the challenges students face. By creating an understanding of bullying, she helps teachers support students with disabilities. She helped guide the project, and is now on the video project team through Alaska Teen Media Institute.
Despite physical challenges, Jiabao is one of the key leaders in a summer soccer program that reaches underprivileged native youth. He’s also been involved in the Alaska Republican Party, being a guest speaker at the Alaska Republican Party State Convention back in March.
The Native Student Leadership Council (NLC) at East High School is an active group of Alaska Native and American Indian students who want to share their pride, cultural values and traditions with the community. NLC has initiated and led several activities this year, such as coordinating and carrying out a meeting each semester for Indian Education students at East High School, sharing cultural activities with 3rd and 4th grade students at Russian Jack Elementary, and helping new-to-Anchorage Alaska Native and American Indian Students transition to East High School.
Charlie has been a volunteer coach every Sunday afternoon for the youngest hockey players of the Homer Hockey Association for four years. He is also a strong leader of Homer High School’s Student Council and Peer Mentor Program.
Jordan runs her own non-profit organization called Jordan’s Junk for Joy. Her organization helps raise money for Special Santa and helps bring Christmas to over 300,000 families in need. Last year she raised over $800 and was awarded the spirit of Christmas award.
To encourage their classmates to engage in a more significant way in the 2018 Chains of Caring Campaign at South High School, sisters Molly and Lauren challenged the student body to raise $5,000. The campaign spread like wildfire throughout the school and on social media, ultimately raising more than $10,000, which was donated directly to the Children’s Hospital at Providence.
All the current community recycling efforts done in the community of Unalaska are only possible through the hardworking volunteer hands of this youth group. They advertise, collect, sort, pack, and prepare for shipment all of the recyclables.
Will is avidly involved in science including groundbreaking research and supporting youth STEM activities. One of his scientific endeavors was the development of synthetic honey that can be used in medical procedures which prevents bacterial growth. Wills unique ideas solve real world problems.
George has been involved in the Woodland Park Boys & Girls Club since he was seven. Because of his involvement, he has grown both academically and socially and radiates positivity. He’s a strong, natural leader and noticeably raises spirits when he’s around his basketball team.
Bergen is constantly seeking out those who are under-served and finds ways to meet their needs. From early childhood, he has donated a portion of his income. He contributes 20 percent of every paycheck to buying fresh produce for the Glory Hall Homeless Shelter and Soup Kitchen.
Talia is active in the community-driven youth and sled dog program in her community. She is responsible for the health of her family dog team, which involves a commitment to care and exercise of puppies and adult dogs. She also organizes bake sales to raise money for prizes for village youth races.
Mickinzie is active in and has lettered in several school sports and activities. She has participated in swimming, concert choir and cross country skiing. She was an alternate on Kenai Central High School’s state team and she performed American Sign Language at her school’s spring concert.
