Shiann is dedicated to educating her peers about the risks of obesity and the importance of healthy diets and regular exercise. Since her presence at a community health fair and multiple classroom presentations she has seen her peers exercise more, track what they eat and drink more water.
Brice created, implemented and now manages a communications app at South Anchorage High School that is central to sharing news and activities with students, staff and parents. The app not only creates a sense of community at school but it has also increased participation in school events.
Nora and Maddie have been instrumental in forming a Spoken Word Club at West High School. They have hosted three school poetry slams and encouraged others to speak and write poetry.
Arusha has volunteered with several Interior Alaska Green Star recycling events. She is passionate about reducing e-waste and is working on implementing an electronics recycling drive at her school to help raise awareness among her peers about the availability of electronics recycling in her community.
Byron participates in the Take Wing Alaska program where he is a role model and a leader to his fellow classmates. On his spare time he shares the singing and dancing traditions of his Alaska Native culture by making YouTube videos and uploading them to his Facebook page, “I Sing. You Dance.”
Robbie has FASD and educating Alaskans about his disability is one of his top priorities. In addition to taking classes with the Alternative Career Education program and working at Wal-Mart, he talks to UAA nursing students about how to best provide treatment to patients with this disability.
Alex started his own videography and photography company at age 15. His talent for capturing special moments was featured on “Good Morning America” when he attached a GoPro camera to a tossed bridal bouquet. He plans on putting his technical skill to use in the community by creating a documentary about homelessness in Anchorage.
Elliese was a summer intern for the Begich campaign. She organized a successful youth rally and recruited several schoolmates to participate. She is passionate about bettering her community through educating youth, recycling and supporting LGBTQ rights.
The Awana student leaders at Montana Creek Baptist Church work as a team to mentor younger children by playing games, conducting story time, and teaching music with sign language. They have a passion for serving the community and are role models to young people in Talkeetna.
Harrison is an active volunteer in his community. Whether he is ringing the Salvation Army bell, helping out at the recycling center or teaching Sunday school at his church, he is committed to helping those around him.
Donvin and a friend are planning on creating a school-wide campaign to address the issues of bullying and judgment. They hope to spread their message at assemblies and with posters.
Marieana has been at the forefront of the anti-drug movement in Sand Point, leading her peers and telling the adults what teens of the community need to be their healthiest, most successful selves. She initiated, planned and facilitated Red Ribbon Week activities at her school where students of all ages were invited to participate in games and celebrate being drug free.
Joseph has a passion for ham radio and created the Lumen Christi Amateur Radio Club. He secured a sponsor for his club, sought out donations from ham operators across the nation and obtained a license from the FCC. He teaches fellow club members about ham radios and helps prepare students for their ham radio license exams.
Carly is active in student government and represented her peers on Alaska’s State Board of Education & Early Development and the Mat-Su School District’s school board. She advised the school board in their decision to ban e-cigarettes, coordinated and implemented Suicide Prevention Week at school, and is a mentor and role model to her fellow students.
Fourteen students from Galena Interior Learning Academy participated in a riverboat journey to Nulato where they attended the show “Winter Bear.” While there, the students participated in educational workshops with the cast and crew. The students discussed suicide awareness, shared Native dances and participated in other theater and dance exercises.
Vital Impact Youth performed recently at the Elder and Youth Conference in Anchorage. This group came from Barrow and shared its message of understanding, hope and redemption with a crowd of several hundred. The group connects with people on a spiritual level and spreads love, peace and understanding.
Bristol Bay River Academy participants learn how to be fishing and hunting guides. They learn about fly fishing and lead their own expedition with mock clients. Their education is essential in keeping the local guiding business thriving.
Ethan serves as a youth leader, supporter, and role model for his peers, fellow classmates, and other youth in the small community of Shaktoolik. He provides counseling to his peers in need and is a subsistence provider for his family and elders.
Tel is the youth liaison for the Anchorage Community of Special Olympics Alaska where he communicates with his peers and learns how individuals with intellectual disabilities are viewed by the younger members of our community. Not only is he a leader among his peers but he’s also a mentor and friend to all the Special Olympic athletes.
