Suella is a facilitator and communicator of powerful and important social issues. Most recently, she has been focusing on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MAMIP) epidemic, bringing outreach to her community through her projects, participation in community events, and social networking. Suella is an ambassador of Alaska Native issues. She testifies at committees on […]
Read MoreLeneil Hafford is the heart and soul of Young Native Fiddlers, a nonprofit that offers guitar and violin lessons to Alaska Native youth, as well as numerous opportunities to perform. Leneil is a selfless and effective leader, and a professional performer who also sees to the needs of the group. She inspires the best in others—youth […]
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Camden Kegley performs with the Lathrop Concert Choir, plays clarinet and saxophone, and has performed in a number of productions. This past year, he performed at Carnegie Hall. Camden is an inspiration to his peers, as well as a professional and eager participant in the Fairbanks’ cultural community.
Read MoreCourtney O’Hearn has been playing the violin for 10 years. She taught herself to play cello, guitar and piano after learning the violin. She has gone to state for solo and ensemble every year and received a superior rating each time. Courtney inspires others with her music.
Read MoreGrace Eldridge is very involved in dramatic and artistic pursuits. For several years, she has choreographed the musical theater productions at neighboring Colony Middle School. Grace has created dance numbers for The Lion King, The Sound of Music, and others.
Read MoreAmber Pike, Jenna Morris, Isabelle Libbrecht, Charlie Latimer, Aaron Jenkins, Vasily Soloview have all demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in their role as Anchorage Youth Orchestra performing board members. The group of youth act as spokespeople for the orchestra, and are organizing a benefit concert to take place in February 2017.
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Bringing together her passion for music and psychology, Maiya Anderson started a piano lesson program at the senior center in Kenai. The lessons bring joy to the elders in the community, while also helping to bridge a generational divide. Not only is Maiya able to create a strong bond with elders—the program also gives elders […]
Read MoreLocal 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.
Read MoreThe Vinyl Floors, a four-person band, plays at community events around Anchorage from the Mayor’s inauguration to the Earth Care Jamboree. They have released a CD and are a positive example for young people.
Read MoreKinani is enthusiastic about music. From bass trombone to piano, music fills her with a feeling beyond words. She got a digeridoo when she was in elementary school and has taught herself to play the indigenous Aboriginal instrument.
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Cadence has owned her own art business, Yang Wren Art, since she was 14. Last year she undertook a project where she researched, designed and created a mosaic project for a local garden. She has participated in the Copper River Stewardship Program and helped in the design and creation of an interpretive sign for a bioswale project.
Read MoreThomas is a creative and inspiring force in the Mat-Su community. He has been a band section leader, band council member, drum major and mentor to younger students. Last year Thomas wrote an original score for the Colony High School performance of “The Tempest.”
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