William Deering

January 17, 2018

Will is avidly involved in science including groundbreaking research and supporting youth STEM activities.  One of his scientific endeavors was the development of synthetic honey that can be used in medical procedures which prevents bacterial growth.  Wills unique ideas solve real world problems.

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George Washington

George has been involved in the Woodland Park Boys & Girls Club since he was seven. Because of his involvement, he has grown both academically and socially and radiates positivity. He’s a strong, natural leader and noticeably raises spirits when he’s around his basketball team.

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Bergen Davis

January 16, 2018

Bergen is constantly seeking out those who are under-served and finds ways to meet their needs. From early childhood, he has donated a portion of his income. He contributes 20 percent of every paycheck to buying fresh produce for the Glory Hall Homeless Shelter and Soup Kitchen.

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Talia Henry

Talia is active in the community-driven youth and sled dog program in her community. She is responsible for the health of her family dog team, which involves a commitment to care and exercise of puppies and adult dogs. She also organizes bake sales to raise money for prizes for village youth races.

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Mickinzie Ticknor

Mickinzie is active in and has lettered in several school sports and activities. She has participated in swimming, concert choir and cross country skiing. She was an alternate on Kenai Central High School’s state team and she performed American Sign Language at her school’s spring concert.

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Maren Buma

Maren’s dad was diagnosed with MS three years before she was born. She spent much of her time caring for him and promoting MS awareness. Last fall, her dad passed away. Since then, Maren has shared memories and photos from of him on social media and in person.

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Jessica Dixon

Jessica’s dad volunteered her for the Yukon Quest, a 1,000 mile international sled dog race. She brought puppies from their kennel to share with summer visitors. She also volunteers at the Helping Hooves Program, a horse riding service for people with special needs.

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Olivia Skelton

Olivia is a straight-A student in honors and AP classes, president of the National Honor Society, a company dancer at Alaska Dance Theater, and a soloist and member of Da Capo Community Choir. She also holds the title of Miss Alaska High School 2018, and is an American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor.

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Naknek 9th and 10th Grade Class

January 15, 2018

The 9th and 10th graders of Naknek participated in and led the 2018 Youth Digital Storytelling Workshop. Each student created a documentary film on topics related to local culture and the historic Alaska Packers Association NN Cannery located in South Naknek.

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Natalie Fraser

Natalie founded a new organization called Mental Health Advocacy which uses storytelling to de-stigmatize mental health issues. She has been actively involved in suicide prevention.

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Mary Pound

Mary is involved in a school organization called AYEA that is working with the Qawalangin Tribe to get recycling started in their community and help protect the environment. Mary is a also the Daisy Girl Scout leader, she works with and mentors girls in kindergarten and 1st grade.

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Will Freeman

In the summer of 2017, 3 people almost perished in Eklutna Lake when their Kayak flipped over. The freezing water gave them hypothermia. Will ran all over the beach to find drift wood and started a fire to keep the victims warm until Emergency Services came. His brave efforts and quick action helped save lives.

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Cole Freeman

In the summer of 2017, 3 people almost perished in Eklutna Lake when their Kayak flipped over. The freezing water gave them hypothermia. Cole ran all over the beach to find drift wood and started a fire to keep the victims warm until Emergency Services came. His brave efforts and quick action helped save lives.

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Jordan Stewart

In the summer of 2017, 3 people almost perished in Eklutna Lake when their Kayak flipped over. The freezing water gave them hypothermia. Jordan ran all over the beach to find drift wood and started a fire to keep the victims warm until Emergency Services came. His brave efforts and quick action helped save lives.

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Sayora Van Reed

Sayora is a Peer Educator at the Rec Room, and involved in Sources of Strength Peer group and Promoting Health Among Teens (PHAT), in partnership with the State of Alaska. She has organized the yearbook club, managed the timelines and themes, and is the reason the project is such a success.

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Mariah Weeks

Student guardians own a sign company called Be Original Signs. Using resources at home, students created stickers for the school and staff for a strive to “Go Higher.” Additionally, Mariah always goes out of her way to help, if she is asked to assist she is right there with a smile on her face.

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Blake LaPerriere

Blake is a metalworker who both forges and welds projects as an entrepreneurial business. In addition, he has helped many people in the community jobs such as splitting firewood, construction projects and remodels, trail building, and metalworking, to name a few.

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Kalah Cuddy

Kalah is part of Sources of Strength, a group of students that helps to build a positive school climate. She is also a part of the Kenai Peninsula Native Youth Leadership Club which fosters interconnection, collaboration and leadership between Native students throughout the school district.

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