Angel is a youth-led leader whose work centers on cultural preservation, storytelling, and community healing. In 2025, she represented Southeast Alaska and the state at national and international opportunities, using filmmaking, journalism, and geocultural research to document and share the history of the Angoon Bombardment and protect culturally significant sites through technologies like LiDAR and […]
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Miley is a friendly, thoughtful young leader who is deeply involved in Native Youth Olympics at her school and through year-round events, where she actively promotes NYO as one of Alaska’s most important sporting traditions. She regularly invites new students to participate, educates others about the games, and inspires sportsmanship while helping organize events and […]
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Emi is a dedicated student, athlete, and youth leader who consistently demonstrates compassion, responsibility, and initiative through her involvement in school, athletics, and community service. She serves as a positive role model by mentoring younger students through Norwegian dancing, supporting cultural traditions, and volunteering her time with fundraisers, her dance studio, and as a lifeguard. […]
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Janissa is a committed and values-driven student whose leadership is rooted in cultural pride, perseverance, and civic responsibility. She worked alongside journalists from Alaska Public Media and KNOM to produce a radio story celebrating the Siberian Yupik drum and dance tradition, Atuq, which was later featured on National Native News. Janissa actively engages in academics, […]
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Josephine exemplifies youth leadership through her dedication to cultural preservation, academic engagement, and service to her community. She collaborated with journalists from Alaska Public Media and KNOM to help produce a radio story amplifying the Siberian Yupik drum and dance tradition, Atuq, which was later shared nationally through National Native News. Josephine is deeply involved […]
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Tehani Samoa Taugofie is a highly involved youth contributing her time and energy to Color Your Mine: Art Youth Activity, Youth Court Summit, Multicultural Youth Educational Summit, and Community Cricket Culture. Tehani was a leader in the Color Your Mine: Art Youth project, which is a project that focuses on helping youth with mental disabilities […]
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Mazelle is a youth organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA). She is someone who cares deeply about her community and her culture, and she is a role model to other youth, especially Alaska Native youth, when it comes to learning her traditional language and being proud of her identity. This year as part […]
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Danielle Faith Nilo plays a key leadership role in strengthening cultural identity and youth voice in Sitka through her work with the Sitka Barkadas Filipino Club Salo-Salo. She helped organize and lead the Filipino Heritage Month Celebration, an entirely youth-driven event featuring traditional dances, songs, cultural presentations, and shared food that brought together roughly 200 […]
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Isaiah stepped out of his comfort zone by participating in the Tlingit & Haida YES Program, which helped lead him to his dream of becoming a diesel and heavy equipment mechanic. The YES Program gives youth employment skills and training in their preferred type of work, allowing them to gain experience and explore possible career […]
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Lola Swanson is a dedicated young leader from Seward, Alaska, who created and operates a year-round dance program to bring high-quality arts opportunities to her rural community. Through her program, over 100 local youth have gained access to dance instruction and scholarships that make participation possible for all families. Lola’s commitment, creativity, and leadership have […]
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Makena Desermia approached Seward Arts Council in the spring of 2025 because she had a vision of bringing a music camp back to Seward for community students. For six months she worked with Seward Arts Council arts and music programming coordinators to connect with Alaskan musicians, write grants, network with music programs across the state, […]
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Olivia leads with creativity and purpose, using her talents to amplify youth voices. She co-developed a teen wellness video by organizing a student team, setting a timeline, and guiding the creative process from start to finish. She took an active role in spoken word, photography, music, and video editing to deliver content that supports mental […]
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Jackson has shown exceptional initiative as a See Stories Intern, creating a short film on the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) for statewide classes. He conducted over seven interviews with diverse voices, including Alaska Native Elders and former Governor Frank Murkowski, showcasing his maturity and organizational skills. Beyond academics, Jackson mentors middle school […]
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Arianna is a talented artist and advocate who uses cultural crafts to address social and mental health issues. As a member of YAHA, they provide valuable insights to improve public health programs for Alaskan youth. Arianna’s beaded earrings, symbolizing suicide prevention, were featured in the 988Create campaign, raising awareness about the 988 suicide hotline. They […]
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Angel is a quiet but powerful leader, excelling in both school and community activities. As a Junior, she participates in Student Council, Angoon Youth Stewards, basketball, and works at Eagle Espresso, all while maintaining top grades. Her leadership is evident through her commitment to projects like creating films for Angoon’s community, including a recent film […]
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Raedyn leads at the Alaska Theatre of Youth, volunteering at school break camps and organizing activities to support others. He is part of the team producing Alaska’s first youth-led theater production, raising funds through various efforts. As the chair of the Public Relations committee, Raedyn manages media outreach and interviews. He also serves on the […]
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Splish Splash Productions (SSP), a youth-led group within the Alaska Theatre of Youth, has taken on the challenge of producing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Over the past eleven months, SSP has raised more than $10,000, secured production rights, hired key staff, and found a venue at the UAA Fine Arts Building. Their […]
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Sarah Kim leads efforts to connect high school students with senior citizens. She founded Music for Hearts, a volunteer group with 40 teen musicians. They perform at senior homes and medical facilities across Alaska, brightening lives and raising over $500 for Alzheimer’s families. Sarah advises the Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska, focusing on campaigns […]
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The Hutchison Stream Team, a student-led club at Hutchison High School, produces professional-quality live events, including sports, concerts, and graduations, for audiences worldwide. Using advanced production equipment like multi-camera switchboards, instant replay, and live announcers, they have streamed over 500 events since 2009, becoming Alaska’s first high school to live-stream events. Their work has supported […]
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Mo Spooner attended the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) 2024 convention and created a heartfelt short film documenting his experience and its significance as an Indigenous youth. The video highlights the stories and cultural elements showcased at AFN, with Mo sharing his feelings about the positive impact events like AFN have on his life. Mo’s […]
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