Melissa volunteers with the Bright Lights Book Project, a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy by making books accessible to communities across Alaska. She regularly spends her Saturdays preparing books for distribution to local schools and community members, directly supporting efforts to address Alaska’s low literacy rates. Melissa also helped place, maintain, and stock a bookcase […]
Read More
Alexi volunteers with the Bright Lights Book Project, a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy by making books accessible to communities across Alaska. She regularly spends her Saturdays preparing books for distribution to local schools and community members, directly supporting efforts to address Alaska’s low literacy rates. Alexi also helped place, maintain, and stock a bookcase […]
Read More
Betsy Jo Boeskool is an engaged youth leader who demonstrates cultural pride, initiative, and service through her involvement with the Filipino American Society of Fairbanks. She has led youth-centered cultural and fundraising efforts, including delivering a Filipino American History Month speech, helping run a youth-led Sari-Sari store to support Fil-Am programming, and organizing fundraisers to […]
Read More
Ella is a senior at Dimond High School and an exceptional student leader with a strong record of academic achievement, athletics, and civic engagement. Through her roles in Student Government, Model UN, and as Secretary of the Anchorage School District Student Advisory Board, she independently led youth advocacy efforts around education funding and student opportunities […]
Read More
Rebel is a compassionate and joyful 14-year-old youth leader whose energy, kindness, and empathy make others feel welcomed and valued. She is deeply committed to service, volunteering across her community through cultural programs, food drives, school events, fundraising efforts, and support for organizations such as Rotary Exchange, Parks and Rec, and the Humane Association. Rebel […]
Read More
Emmanuel is a compassionate and thoughtful youth leader who demonstrates maturity, empathy, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion within his rural community. As a member of the Tide Turners youth leadership team, he was selected to attend the 2025 Lead On youth conference and has taken an active role in addressing bullying, promoting […]
Read More
Yedidia is a highly driven, thoughtful, and kind youth leader who combines entrepreneurship, innovation, and service to create meaningful community impact. At just 11 years old, she founded YY Sweets, independently managing all aspects of the business while donating 10% of her profits to causes such as St. Jude’s, Sandy Hook Promise, and Women LISTEN, […]
Read More
Emily Brubaker is an exceptional young leader who turns complex ideas into meaningful, lasting policy change at the local, state, and national levels. She led the BioGlitter Initiative, resulting in a unanimous Anchorage School Board vote to end future purchases of plastic glitter and address microplastics as an environmental and public health issue. As Alaska’s […]
Read More
The East High School Interact Club, sponsored by Anchorage East Rotary since 2013, has spent 12 years leading meaningful service projects at the local, national, and international levels. Current Interactors operate the T-Bird Boutique, a free in-school clothing shop, and manage donations, hygiene kits, and shower bags to support students and youth facing basic needs […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
Sean Middleton demonstrates exceptional youth leadership in Fairbanks by organizing hockey training sessions, mentoring younger athletes, and promoting healthy living through fitness programs he designs at the Hockey Club Fairbanks (HCF) gym. He fosters teamwork, discipline, and positive community culture while also volunteering for events like the HCF Christmas party to bring joy to younger […]
Read More
Jillian has been committed to community service since childhood, contributing to a wide range of efforts, from supporting Anchorage Firefighters to volunteering with Special Olympics and Dimond High’s Partners Club. She has led major philanthropic projects, including organizing a blood drive that collected 30 units of blood, enough to save up to 66 lives, and […]
Read More
Sofia is a highly engaged student leader who holds elected positions in multiple organizations, including PR Officer for Student Government and National Technical Honor Society and President of HOSA. She revitalized her school’s Holiday Craft Fair after years of unsuccessful attempts, coordinating student groups and community outreach to bring more than 20 activities to life. […]
Read More
Isabel has been a dedicated volunteer since early childhood, playing a key role in low-cost spay/neuter clinics and offering calm, compassionate support to both animals and stressed pet owners. She helps rehabilitate cats and kittens in need, assists with humane trapping efforts, and is involved daily in caring for rescued animals, even in harsh weather. […]
Read More
The Lynx Initiative (TLI) is a youth-run robotics program created by Anchorage teens who saw that too many students, especially in Title I schools, had no access to STEM opportunities. In just two years, TLI built Anchorage’s first K–12 robotics pathway, growing from 2 teams to 13 and serving students from 23 schools, including Alaska’s […]
Read More
Wayne has made a significant impact on the Gruening Middle School debate program through his dedication, leadership, and passion for debate. Over the past three years, he volunteered as a judge and recently joined the coaching team—organizing scrimmages, leading weekly practices, and presenting complex topics in an engaging way for students. Under his mentorship, the […]
Read More
The T3 Alaska student group in Wrangell demonstrated remarkable innovation and leadership through their work on the Capitol Christmas Tree project. Collaborating with inventor Brian Ashton, the students designed a life support system using salmon incubation technology to keep the 80-foot Sitka spruce alive during its 4,000-mile journey to Washington, D.C. Their system ensured the […]
Read More
Jayden Lampe is an outstanding leader and advocate for her community. As a Youth Organizer with Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, she has led campaigns on food security and climate action, including helping youth from across Alaska call for a climate emergency. Jayden’s leadership extends beyond state-level advocacy; in her hometown of Utqiagvik, she holds […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
Tikvah Olson exemplifies dedication and compassion, spending five years supporting Alaska’s at-risk youth and families. Even as a camper, she helped prepare camps, organized logistics, and created welcoming spaces. Her care shines through her effort to bake a personal birthday cake for each of the 50 campers, ensuring every child feels valued and loved. As […]
Read More