North Star Youth Court

October 4, 2016

North Star Youth Court is a program that provides legal and mediator training for youth in Fairbanks. The organization aims to promote restorative justice and alternative dispute resolution practices. Youth adjudicate misdemeanor cases for 1st and 2nd time offenders, acting as clerks, attorneys, and judges. Participants are between the ages of 12 and 18. By […]

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Savoonga Youth Leaders

The Savoonga Youth Leaders work hard to better the lives of those around them. They offer counseling to their peers, host community events, help out with the food bank, and provide a taxi service to elders who need assistance getting to community functions. The Savoonga Youth Leaders are always looking for, and finding new ways […]

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Hooper Bay RAY Youth Group

October 3, 2016

The Hooper Bay RAY Youth Group is working to preserve their community’s traditions through dance, language, and the continued practice of other traditional skills. The group also works with their peers to prevent suicide, as well as drug and alcohol abuse.

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Haley Edmondson

Haley Edmondson is an active member of her community and volunteers her time to better the lives of those in her community, particularly other youth. Her achievements include hosting a fashion show to raise money for Breast Cancer research, raising over $4,000 for the Children’s Hospital, helping to create a nationally recognized “Raise Your Voice” […]

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Kaisa Reese Ahluniq Kotch

Kaisa Reese Ahluniq Kotch is devoted to combating suicide in her community. Kaisa is a member of the TECK Youth Leader’s Program, a school district program in which youth are trained in bullying and suicide prevention. She also serves as a youth representative with the Maniilaq Behavioral Health Program, which works to identify and combat primary […]

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Savannah Rizzo

September 20, 2016

Savannah Rizzo has worked to establish an organization called T-Books, which provides new books to disadvantaged youth in her community. The goal is to ensure that all young people have access to literature. Through a number of fundraisers, the group was able to raise $3,000, which has been used to purchase new books for students […]

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Jenevia Jetaun Wika

September 6, 2016

Jenevia Jetaun Wika started the You Are Not Alone club at South Anchorage High School. This club offers a safe space for students to receive support, and information regarding suicide prevention. Jenevia’s goal is to educate high school teens on warning signs and preventative tools, as well as to offer hope to her peers. The […]

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Samir Akal

Samir Akal came to Anchorage two years ago after leaving a refugee camp in Egypt. Going above and beyond what was required  of him, Samir has achieved a high level of academic success. But his hard work has not stopped there. Living with diabetes himself, Samir hopes to help others combat the disease by working […]

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Pole Smortum

July 19, 2016

Local Punk bank Pole Smortum is passionate about their music and the community surrounding it. A teen band that revels in dancing to the beat of their own drum, Pole Smortum is helping to provide a safe space for youth to express themselves.

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Trenton Wonhola

Through his participation in the 4-H Day Camp, Trenton Wonhola of New Stuyahok showed true dedication to every member of his community. He diligently assisted in chores and activities at Fish Camp, working hard to assist elders, and young children. Trenton is helping to heal the wounds of generational trauma by continuing cultural traditions as […]

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Taylor Engstrom

April 7, 2016

Taylor Engstrom took action in the prevention of the loss of life of a fellow student. His efforts gave first responders critical time to arrive . His actions were instrumental in preventing a tragedy.

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Clare Cook

March 11, 2016

Clare is a natural leader and that is reflected in the amazing breadth of experiences she has in a number of youth organizations including serving as attorney with Anchorage Youth Court, private and group instructor for competitive figure skating, junior supervisor for a fund-raising youth-led coffee shop, Birchwood Camp children’s counselor and serving as a […]

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Alicia McLelland

February 16, 2016

Alicia is the youngest assistant instructor in the HIT (Hunter Information and Training) Program as well as the executive secretary on Soldotna High School Student Council. Alicia is always one of the first to stand up for what is right, be it a rule or a person having a hard time.

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Destiny Lytle

February 2, 2016

Destiny has grown up learning the process of dog handling and training. She teaches classes on how to handle dogs in and appropriate manner, and helps with training service dogs.

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Kendra Brush

Kendra has taken it upon herself to work with youth and teens in a positive way. She is deeply committed to introducing the sport of archery, bowhunting and the great outdoors with others. She has volunteered to teach numerous Women On Target archery classes over the past three years as well as lead archery classes […]

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