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.
Sadie is deeply involved in keeping her Alutiiq culture alive. She promotes her heritage through dance, song, language and sewing. She also serves on Kodiak Teen Court and assists young children at an early learning program. She has proven an asset to her community by helping youth, peers and elders.
Lane is always willing to lend a hand to people in need from shoveling elder’s driveways to assisting stranded vehicles. He has spent countless hours working toward his certification for structure firefighting. He also loves to DJ and entertains his schoolmates with his lunch time beats. He is the A/V extraordinaire at his school and helps with the technical aspects of many school events.
Courtney is dedicated to serving her community. Whether she’s helping out at an animal shelter or feeding needy families during the holidays, she always makes time for others.
Taylor has a passion both for ballet and biotechnology. As a dancer she works with younger students and teaches techniques at local elementary schools. In the field of science, she works with younger students at her school to share information about biotechnology. She has also spent three years developing a simple way to test for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.
Al participated in the Association of Alaska School Boards’ Youth Leadership Institute where he developed and practiced skills to maintain a strong youth voice to use in his school and community. He connected with peers from across the state and was part of conversations with board members at the AASB annual conference.
