Alta is passionate about the health of Alaska’s waters. She has spent four summers independently researching ocean acidification in Prince William Sound and has presented her findings at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium and the Alaska State Science and Engineering Fair.
Alleah provides child care during evening services at her church where she loves reading to children of all ages. She also participates every year in Operation Christmas Child, which sends care packages to children all over the world.
Paxson uses her love for volleyball to inspire younger girls to lead healthy, active lifestyles. She has coached a 5th grade team, kept score during games and organized an adult women’s team. In high school she and her team participated in the Spike Out Cancer campaign, which helped raise more than $35,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Renatta had a tough time adjusting to boarding school life, but she has overcome academic and athletic challenges in her time at Mt. Edgecumbe. She is captain of the volleyball team and basketball team, member of the National Honors Society and assists new students with campus orientation.
Virginia used her journalism experience to start a student-run newspaper at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School. She participates in many community events including educating middle school students about healthy relationships and teaching disadvantaged youth how to channel their emotions toward creative endeavors.
Ahlena serves as a babysitter at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Her service allows parents to attend AA meetings uninterrupted without being concerned for their children’s welfare. She has been a huge sober support for the city of Anchorage.
Taylor and Kate planned, organized and staged a breast cancer walk at South High School, which raised funds for the Alaska Run for Women. The money raised by the cancer walk was a direct contribution to the AKRFW’s grants program and helped support breast cancer outreach, prevention and cure programs supported by the run.
Christian is dedicated to the student peer council and is an advocate at the local crisis center. She plans several events throughout the year to bring community members together.
Larry interviewed elders in his community and created a film on the environmental impacts of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. He was instrumental in setting up and running camera equipment. He shared his final film at a community-wide film screening.
Carrie interviewed elders in her community and created a film on the environmental impacts of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. Many of the interviews were conducted in Yup’ik and Sugstun. She shared her final film at a community-wide film screening.
Shannyn has dedicated hundreds of hours as a certified juvenile attorney, mediator and judge for North Star Youth Court. She has conducted youth trainings on drug and alcohol awareness and is a member of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action where she mentors other AYEA youth with developing their leadership skills, organization and passion toward the environment.
Lifesaver & Prevention: Serenity is passionate about suicide prevention and promotes anti-bullying at Colony Middle School.
Lifesaver & Prevention, Service to Community: The Fairbanks Prevention Coalition addresses the problems of underage drinking through digital storytelling, gaming competitions and other youth-oriented projects. They are passionate advocates for the prevention of substance abuse in youth.
Karly and Abbey are active in their church youth group. They participate in fundraisers, projects and outreach to other youth.
Zachary helps manage the North Star Youth Court website. He maintains it regularly to ensure it runs smoothly and is up to date.
Katie was a volunteer intern at Make-A-Wish in Anchorage. She helped grant wishes to children battling life-threatening medical conditions and assisted with events that raise awareness for Make-A-Wish. As a former recipient of a wish, Katie brought empathy and a passion to help other kids who face steep challenges similar to her own.
Samuel has a remarkable understanding and empathy for others and is committed to sharing his time and service with groups who work to empower and inspire disadvantaged and disabled youth. He provides reading assistance to blind adults and volunteers with Challenge Alaska, the American Cancer Society’s Camp Goodtimes and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Lizzie is a JROTC participant and plans on a career in the military. She is dedicated to her community and her country. Her kind and self-giving spirit infects everyone she encounters.
Lutfi is active in student government and is head of the 90 Percent by 2020 Peer Outreach Committee. He started a non-profit, The Macedonia Education Movement, to support education in the country from where his family originates.
