Diana is an ambassador for the University of Alaska Anchorage Educational Talent Search program where she mentors other students. She embraces her education with gusto and empowers other students to reach their full potential regardless of their race or gender.
Cleonik is active with his Russian Orthodox Church as a volunteer where he’s helped with citywide clean ups, church renovations and assisted at Bean’s Cafe. He promotes treating everyone with dignity and respect and teaches his siblings to take pride in themselves and where they come from.
Brianna moved to Alaska as a child and had a difficult time adjusting to the change. She transferred to several different schools over the years and struggled with making connections with people. When she settled into Service High School she was inspired by the school’s nurse to pursue a career in nursing. She has completed 250 hours in the Certified Nursing Assistant program through the Anchorage School District and plans on attending the nursing program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Ben participated in the Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute and has goals to provide medical services to disadvantaged communities. When he moved to the U.S. from Korea at age eight he overcame many obstacles from learning English to being bullied in school because of his ethnicity. He uses his life experiences to inspire other youth who face discrimination and lack of support.
Brandy was severely bullied as a child but overcame this personal obstacle and now uses her experience to become a voice and advocate for those who are afraid to speak up. As an attorney for Anchorage Youth Court she reaches out to youth victimized by bullying and promotes peace and justice for all.
Jane has worked with the Kenai Assembly to implement a composting facility at the Homer Transfer Station. Her vision will not only help farmers and gardeners but it will also reduce the amount of garbage shipped out of Homer.
Teens Acting Against Violence created a video for their peers for Green Dot Bethel, a program dedicated to ending violence in their community. The group voluntarily participated in the Green Dot effort and presented their project to Public Health Nursing and other community partners. TAAV is committed to promoting a safer community through domestic violence prevention.
Mariana Hererra and brothers German and Francisco Badillo created Mariachi Agave Azul, the only official Mariachi band in Alaska. The 15-member group of teens and young adults performs cultural music from Mexico at special events around Anchorage. Despite their cultural differences, all members of the band are passionate about their music and understand the deep connection of those who hear them play.
Sammie is an environmental advocate and attended the 10th Annual World Wilderness Congress in Spain. She was inspired to design an educational kiosk at Worthington Glacier to show visitors how the glacier has receded and to distribute information about climate change and its effects on the environment.
The East Anchorage High School Ukulele Society for Better Living is a fun and vibrant group that performs around Anchorage throughout the school year. Many participants are new to the ukulele and they are eager to play and improve their musical skill. The group present a positive image of teens in Southcentral Alaska.
Gage is active in his community in several ways. As president of the JBER Keystone Club he has provided assistance to wounded warriors in need. He also helped start “Random Texts of Kindness,” which helps teens be resilient in the face of bullying and suicide.
Winter is concerned about homeless youth in the Fairbanks area, especially during the colder months. She started a club at her school called “Knitting for the Kneedy,” where students make winter wear for the homeless. Her creative drive has inspired many of her peers to use their talents to help those in need.
The Hydaburg City Schools Youth Leadership Group went to a Ketchikan elementary school to train on peer mediation and anti-bullying techniques. Students were then involved in implementing these techniques in their school.
The Homer Middle School Student Council participated in the National Pennies for Patients Leukemia & Lymphoma Fundraiser. Their goal was to raise $200, but due to their competitive strategy they were able to collect more than $700 for the cause. The group has also put on a “Think Pink” breast cancer awareness campaign, Share the Spirit community event and they organize activity nights for students to have fun in a safe environment on Fridays.
Camden Galvin started the group Souper Steller, which makes fresh batches of soup once a week to feed to the students of Steller Secondary School. Souper Steller has contributed to the school’s climate in immeasurable ways. Not only are students eating well, but student volunteers are also learning how to make healthy meals.
Tyra volunteers twice a week during the winter bowling season to help younger kids develop the skills and enjoyment of a sport she loves. Tyra is on the bowling team at South Anchorage High School and in addition to the time she spends at the alley honing her own skills, she dedicates more time to work with little kids.
Carl was selected as one of very few international finalists to perform at Carnegie Hall for the Honors Performance Series in March 2014. His commitment to music is an inspiration for all.
Annie was selected as one of very few international finalists to sing at Carnegie Hall for the Honors Performance Series in March 2014. Her commitment to music and singing is an inspiration for all.
The Cooper Landing Youth Action Group creates service projects to engage their community. For two years they hosted an annual recycled fashion show that educates people about the use of materials and the potential of what is otherwise considered garbage.
Devlin helps keep his Yakutat culture thriving by participating in Native dance and cultural activities such as drawing, carving and language restoration. In 2013 he participated in a three-day historical canoe journey from Juneau to Wrangell to represent the history and culture of Yakutat.