Spirit of Youth

Shelby Moore

Shelby joined Colony Middle School during a tough time in her life, but she has made many friends and is actively involved in many school activities.

Aleea Faulkner

Aleea started “For the Love of Socks,” which gives socks to the homeless. She and her mom also took over the Bear Hugs program, which distributes backpacks and necessities to kids in need.

Samantha Martin

Samanthais involved in the Kenai Peninsula farm and flock swap meet / youth farming education, which provides information to students and future workforce.

Colvin R. Moore

As part of his daily Boys & Girls Club responsibilities, Cole prepares and serves meals for 35 students, tutors grades K-3 and is a peer mentor for the entire group.

Ruby Allen (part of Ambassador Girl Scout 1935)

Ruby worked with the Homer Food Pantry to stock dozens of nylon backpacks with essential food items so that students could anonymously and discreetly fulfill a basic need for those who might otherwise go without. In 15 months, over 120 food bags have been stocked and distributed.

Sophie Morin (part of Ambassador Girl Scout 1935)

Sophie worked with the Homer Food Pantry to stock dozens of nylon backpacks with essential food items so that students could anonymously and discreetly fulfill a basic need for those who might otherwise go without. In 15 months, over 120 food bags have been stocked and distributed.

Daisy Kettle (part of Ambassador Girl Scout 1935)

Daisy Kettle worked with the Homer Food Pantry to stock dozens of backpacks with essential food items. In the 15 months since the program’s introduction to Homer High School, over 120 food bags have been stocked and distributed.

Mackenzie Edgar

Mackenzie is in the trauma-sensitive schools, a program which that tries to find real-world solutions to real-life problems that face students. They have identified a variety of challenges that face students at Colony Middle School and are working in to find solutions.

Ethan Zawodny

Ethan is a highly accomplished drummer and percussionist; he created a beginning percussion program through Denali Montessori’s Elementary School. In 2017 and 2018, Ethan volunteered his time to instruct 3rd through 6th graders in beginning percussion skills twice a week after school.

Grace Lili’i

Grace goes above and beyond by including others in class activities, encouraging their participation, and helping them execute class assignments.

Mariaha Afuvai

Mariaha Afuvai is a class leader, she regularly volunteers to lead her class in physical activities, assists teacher however possible and guides peers into good decision making.

Michael Wheatley

Jakira Starks

Along with other students, Jakira created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.

Ana Hokenson

Along with other students, Ana Hokenson created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.

Fatoumata Sabally

Fatoumata and fellow students created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.

Abigail Burke

Along with other students, Abigail Burke created a gofundme account in an effort to afford a trip to Juneau to advocate for middle school education. By October, they had enough miles and money to commit to a trip to go to Juneau during the 2018 legislative session.

Abigail Massong

Abigail demonstrates responsibility and diligence in all she does, whether it be course work, horsemanship, cleaning stalls, attending enrichment activities, or church attendance. She chooses personal friends that enrich her life and chooses to do the same for them.

Sharon Jenkins

Sharon attends an after School program called the Schoolyard, a program through Cook Inlet Tribal Council. She continues to do everything she can to ensure the continuation of the program, including leading a group of 20 youth to meet with the CEO of CITC.

Carlee Rizzo

Carlee created and established the Nikiski Children’s Fund, which is now expanding to become the Peninsula Children’s Fund. She has fundraised thousands of dollars for Nikiski North Star Elementary and Nikiski Middle/High School that teachers and staff can use whenever they see that a child or family has a need.

Gillian Brinker

Gillian is actively involved in the local FFA group. She participates in competitions at both a state and national level in FFA. She also volunteers at The Learning Farm in Anchorage and cares for the animals in addition to teaching local children about the animals.