A group of youth volunteers created a PSA to help prevent suicide among teens and young adults in Fairbanks and the surrounding area, as part of a Fairbanks Wellness Coalition initiative. This youth-produced PSA features teen voice, and demonstrates the power of reaching out to peers.
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 […]
Read MoreJackson has been involved in Teens Against Tobacco Use for the past 4 years. He has given tobacco prevention lessons to his peers, and has also testified to the Alaska state legislature on the importance of a smoke-free workplace.
Read MoreJennifer Sage is captain of Youth Leaders, a peer mentoring group in Noatak that offer support to youth, including suicide prevention. Jennifer has been involved with Youth Leaders for the last four years.
Read MoreLeena Robinson is involved with a group called People in Need of Knowledge, which works to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Organizing events aimed at educating the community about tobacco, participating in student council, and even helping to start up a Girl Scouts group in Nenana, Leena is a passionate local leader.
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Kaisa Reese Ahluniq Kotch is devoted to combating suicide in her community. Kaisa is a member of the TECK Youth Leader’s Program, a school district program in which youth are trained in bullying and suicide prevention. She also serves as a youth representative with the Maniilaq Behavioral Health Program, which works to identify and combat primary […]
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Jenevia Jetaun Wika started the You Are Not Alone club at South Anchorage High School. This club offers a safe space for students to receive support, and information regarding suicide prevention. Jenevia’s goal is to educate high school teens on warning signs and preventative tools, as well as to offer hope to her peers. The […]
Read MoreTaylor Engstrom took action in the prevention of the loss of life of a fellow student. His efforts gave first responders critical time to arrive . His actions were instrumental in preventing a tragedy.
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Cousins Marguerite and Evangeline used their own money and funds collected from the community to donate 17 pet emergency oxygen mask kits to fire stations across the Kenai Peninsula. Their goal is to provide these life-saving tools to every fire station in the state.
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Jivan has volunteered hundreds of hours for Fairbanks programs that improve the lives of youth. His work with Fairbanks Prevention Coalition aims to stop underage drinking. As president of North Star Youth Court he helps his peers make better choices. He started a program called Kick-It-Kids, which applies the principles of Tae Kwon Do to help […]
Read MoreCarrie helps in raising awareness of the risks of e-cigarettes. She played a big part in the making of an e-cigarette prevention short film from developing the characters to brainstorming the script.
Read MoreAlakanuk Youth Group provides community activities for children in an effort to reduce suicide and bullying. They promote healthy activities and are a support to youth in need.
Read MoreBunno is the President of the Cup’ik Qissunamiut Youth Group in Chevak, which helps out the community and focuses on bullying and suicide prevention. She is also an active member of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action and attended the 2015 Youth Organizer Summit.
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Dashon is certified for ETT and EMT I and regularly assists with medical emergencies. He is deaf in both ears but does not let this complication keep him from saving lives.
Read MoreJillian is a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor in Sand Point. She assists elders with water aerobics classes and gives swim lessons to youth.
Read MoreFaithe has organized several events in Metlakatla such as Red Ribbon Week, Walk for Life and Earth Day. She is committed to improving her community and encourages others to be involved.
Read MoreKeifer volunteers at Mat-Su Regional Hospital where he visits recovering patients and helps them feel more comfortable. He is committed to assisting people in a medical capacity and has already earned his EMT I & II certificates.
Read MoreDavid is a tremendous support to his friends and advises them on the choices they’ve made and the possible consequences of their actions. Last year, David helped his best friend who had attempted suicide by picking him up from his house and checking him into the hospital. His thoughtfulness, calmness and loyalty directly influence his friends and […]
Read MoreShiann spent her senior year working on a project to promote healthy diet and regular exercise. She is a positive role model and inspires her peers to make healthy choices. Because of her efforts, students are now exercising more, tracking what they eat and drinking more water.
Read MoreThe Sitka Youth Leadership Committee serve as positive influencers for their peers through peer education, developing media campaigns, administering surveys, and coordinating workshops on identity, diversity, and positive leadership. They are making positive changes to end racial stereotypes and bullying in their community.
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